Update 6th April 2018

6^th April’s first weekly report on how nature is influencing the bluebells in  Beatons Wood

Each Friday I will be taking two photographs from exactly the same place each week, to illustrate how the growth of the bluebells are affected in an undulating wood.  One photo taken at the top of Beatons Wood near the entrance, as this faces south tends to be warmer and all plant growth appears more forward.  The other photo near the Lower Pond faces north, so one should see a difference between the two sites.

‘The Beast from the East’ certainly slowed all growth down, so not a bluebell flower to be seen yet!  However Beatons Wood looks great for lovers of the white wood anemones, as everywhere there is this carpet of white, which is emphasised by the green of the bluebells leaves.

If warm weather continues there will be the first hints of blue amongst the white wood anemones.  The wild daffodils on either side of the Millennium Avenue still retain a yellow hue.

The next report will be published on Friday 13^th April.

John McCutchan

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This message was added on Friday 6th April 2018

Tranquil/Angela Boas

I had an amazing day on Sat 7th. I was surprised that there weren`t many people there but it allowed us to walk,sit,reflect and soak up the atmosphere in peace and tranquility. It could be because rain was forecast all day but it did not come until I got home at 6pm! It was warm and dry, the birds were singing, the anemones and primroses were glorious and I even saw one small bluebell cluster. I felt so lucky and thank you for sharing your amazing space.

Reply: Thank you for these lovely comments. I am so glad you enjoyed your visit.

When will the bluebells flower?/Alan Dengate

When do you think the Bluebells will start flowering please? There is no sign of buds in the wood that I manage. Thank you. Alan Dengate, Woodland Warden, Highwoods Preservation Society www.highwoodsbexhill.org.uk.

Reply: It is difficult to know as it depends so much on what the weather does now, but we will publish an update every Friday.

Wood Anemones/Julie

The white wood anemones are spectacular in their own right and well worth seeing. The wood looks gorgeous.

Visit this week?/Susan Barker

We were planning to visit Saturday 14th but would it be better to wait a couple of weeks? Thanks

Reply: The wood anemones provide a great display but the bluebells will reach their peak later. It depends on your preference. Do check the updates on Friday for the latest information.