Breathe in the scents and sights of spring at
Arlington Bluebell Woods near Hailsham from 10 April to 18 May which is open
every day.
Walkers of all ages will have plenty of room
to stretch their legs over the 23 acre woodland site, one of the most
spectacular carpets of native bluebells in the UK.
The Arlington Bluebell Walk, which takes in
three working farms, has been delighting countryside lovers and raising
hundreds of thousands of pounds for Sussex charities since it first opened in
1972. There are seven different walks to try, including the graveled Blue Walk,
which gives access to mobility scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs. Mobility
scooters are also available to borrow free of charge.
Seventeen charities will take part in the
2014 event, fundraising for their different causes by providing food and drink
to walkers. To date, the Arlington Bluebell Walk has raised more than £500,000 (
todays value) for 60 local causes since the attraction opened to the public 42
years ago.
John McCutchan, who farms the land there and
created the Bluebell Walk, said: “Bluebells signify that spring has well and
truly arrived and warmer weather is on its way.
A woodland walk among a carpet of bluebells is an experience to delight
all the senses – from the scent of the native bluebell to the crunch underfoot
of old autumn leaves and birdsong up above. The Arlington Bluebell Walk has
walks and activities which allow people of all ages and physical abilities to
experience this stunning natural phenomenon.”
The fleeting beauty of the spring bluebells
has inspired writers, such as the Bronte sisters, and artists for generations.
Photographers are encouraged to capture the sea of blue in the annual Arlington
Bluebell Walk Photographic Competition. The winner entry will be featured on
the front of the 2015 attraction leaflet and entries from 2013 will be on
display.
Artists can take part in the Paint Me a
Bluebell competition and there is also a children’s quiz with prizes awarded by
the National Farmers Union. The quizzes are based on the different colour coded
walks.
Visitors can also learn more about dairy farming and get up close to
farm animals with pens of pigs, angora goats, sheep and baby chicks. At
neighbouring Parkwood Farm, the milking of the large herd can be seen from a
special viewing gallery every afternoon between 3pm and 5pm.
The Bluebell Farm Shop which is normally open Fridays and Saturdays from
9.30pm to 5pm will be open every day the Bluebell Walk is open from 11.00am and
is the main outlet for locally produced beef, lamb, chicken and turkey reared
by John McCutchan’s son in law Michael Vine.
( Formally of Ersham Farm in Hailsham)
The Farm Shop is a foodies’ paradise, stocked with a
tastebud-tantalising selection of ingredients for a spectacular dish prepared
with the minimum of food miles. Farmer’s wife Philippa Vine is a professional
cook and food writer and has a passion for locally sourced quality ingredients.
The shop will stock a mouthwatering range of homemade sausages, pies, tarts and
delicious cakes. Quality essentials such as olive and flavoured oils, vinegars,
spices, herbs, coffee, rice, pasta, pulses, flour and local free range eggs
will also be available.
For those wanting the ultimate takeaway after their walk, Philippa
offers a pre-order service, where countryside lovers can pick up tarts, cakes,
casseroles, and pies after their visit.
Philippa also offers cookery tuition in her farmhouse kitchen on a one
to one basis, or with a friend. Contact orders@bluebellfarmshop.co.uk or telephone 07896742454
Arlington Bluebell Walk
Thursday 17 April – Sunday 18 May 2014
Bates Green Farm, Tye Hill Road, Arlington, Polegate, East Sussex, BN26 6SH
(Signs off A22 and A27)
Open 10am daily Close: 5pm daily
