The ethos of Arlington Bluebell Walk & Garden

Arlington Bluebell Walk was the idea of my late wife Carolyn, who opened Beatons Wood in 1972 to raise money for charity. It is an annual event open in early spring whilst the white wood anemones and bluebells are flowering. Volunteers from local charities supply the resources, by which they raise much needed funds for their own charity. The event also provides the financial resources to ensure that Bates Green Garden is maintained to the high standard that Carolyn always aimed to achieve. The ancient Beatons Wood is sensitively managed in order to retain its unique and delicate ecosystem. This is to ensure it continues to give immense pleasure to our many visitors, who enjoy walking round and witnessing the beauty of nature.

Bates Green Garden was designed and planted from 1968 by Carolyn, a skilled plantswoman, who for many years opened it on behalf of the National Garden Scheme. This large tranquil garden is unique in its selection of many unusual plants for their colour and distinctiveness. The garden is now cared for by a small team led by Emma Reece, who was for many years a student here, working with Carolyn. The team work together to maintain the plant collection and to increase different types of habitats within the garden. The Wildflower Meadow is an integral part of this aspiration, by adding to the diversity of plant and insect life.

John McCutchan 2023