This year marks the 51st anniversary of the Arlington Bluebell Walk, one of the most celebrated in England — and it opens to the public this Wednesday, April 10th.
This week's reopening is set to show carpets of some of the spring's most characteristic blooms, in an area of rural East Sussex near to both Hailsham and Polegate.
According to owner John McCutchan, there are hopes of attracting 25,000 visitors, though he acknowledges attendance is dependent upon the weather.
He said the timeline each spring is:
- First, the green carpet of emerging bluebell leaves
- Then the white display of wood anemones
- The unique view of green, white and blue as the bluebells emerge
- Finally, the many vistas of blue when the bluebells are fully out.
John added:
"We open from April 10 for five weeks and the walk is of course so beautiful, but it's more than just a walk as there are also the six farm trails to explore.
"We have extended our kitchen this year and in our cafe we have a large screen showing a live stream of the beautiful birds at their feeding station in the woods.
"This year we will be welcoming 26 different charities, who take turns to provide refreshments every day.
"There is also a Book Room, which is being managed this year by Heron’s Ghyll Carriage Driving for the Disabled.
"There is a plant stall run by Arlington Church and the chance to see the animals, including sheep and pygmy goats.
"We are also hoping that people will take the opportunity to visit Bates Green Garden which has been awarded RHS Partner Garden status.
"People love the bluebells - we all know that - but we also have the most amazing Garden on site.
"It will be open every day during the five weeks of the Bluebell Walk and after that every Wednesday until the end of October."
Last year, £78,000 was raised for charities, and this year should see the total amount raised pass the £1m mark.
John is also keen to stress there are 18 mobility scooters available for people who may need them.
Entrance to the Arlington Bluebell Walk this year is £8 or £4 for children. It's £20 for a family of four.
Meanwhile, Bates Green Garden is open every Wednesday 10am-4pm. It's a garden full of colour and one that John says he holds "very special".
It was created by his late wife Carolyn and has been restored and revitalised by Head Gardener Emma Reece and her team.
The Bates Green Garden Cafe - with homemade cakes and lunches - is open every Wednesday, and the Garden entrance fee also includes entry to Beatons Wood, a 24 acre ancient oak and hornbeam wood.
Visitors can also walk around the six-acre Wildflower Meadow, full of diverse plant species, and there enjoy the stunning views of the South Downs.
More information can be found by browsing to www.bluebellwalk.co.uk and www.batesgreengarden.co.uk.
Man Admits To Damaging Cars In Bognor
Two Men Arrested In Connection With Brighton Rape
Appeal Following Assault In Horsham Shop
Appeal After Arson At Gym In Burgess Hill
Two Men Sought In Connection With Brighton Rape
Councillors Support Baby Box Partnership With Charities
Brighton And Hove Bus Fare Cap Bid Foiled By Cost
New Medical Centre Scoping Exercise Agreed By Wealden Council
'Out Of This World' Ideas Put Forward For Future Of Brighton i360
New Fire Engines For West Sussex