Visit the Woodland Trust's bluebell woods in full bloom

The Woodland Trust cares for more than 50 native woods in Northern Ireland, making it one of the most important organisations for native bluebell colonies.

Bluebells bloom in April and May before the woodland canopy closes but are sensitive plants and take at least five years to establish and colonise. Bluebells hit their peak at different times across the UK and Ireland, and it can take until mid-May before woods in Northern Ireland are at their peak.

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland wants to welcome visitors to the charity’s numerous sites throughout the region so everyone can have the chance to enjoy the spectacular springtime sight of a bluebell-carpeted woodland. The conservation charity’s top picks to visit this year include: Mourne Park in Kilkeel, Carnmoney Hill in Newtownabbey, Drumnaph Wood in Maghera and Prehen Wood in Derry/Londonderry.

Mourne Park, Kilkeel

With 156 hectares of woodland and 73 hectares of precious ancient woodland, Mourne Park is flourishing with multitudes of vibrant bluebells. The Trust even named one of its new trails ‘The Bluebell Walk’, a 1.8km amble through ancient woodland past a dense carpet of bluebells.

Drumnaph Wood, Maghera

One of the finest bluebell woods in Northern Ireland is Drumnaph Wood, Maghera, at the gateway to the Sperrins. This beautiful ancient woodland is one of the few remaining fragments of a great forest that once covered much of mid-Ulster. Enjoy an abundance of bluebells in the flower-rich woods and try spotting Irish hares in the rushy meadows.

Carnmoney Hill, Newtownabbey

Carnmoney Hill is a must visit, especially at this time of year, when the ancient woodland habitat comes alive with woodland anemone and bluebells. Those who hike to the top will be rewarded with one of the best lookouts over the city, Belfast Lough and the coast.

Prehen Wood, Derry/Londonderry

The rare and irreplaceable ancient woodland of Prehen Wood has a magical feel, with carpets of bluebell, celandine and wood anemone in the spring. It is home to the sparrowhawk and long-eared owl, and offers terrific views overlooking the Maiden City and the River Foyle.

Woodland Trust Northern Ireland estate and project manager Dave Scott said:

“Ancient woods carpeted with bluebells are without doubt a sensory delight for people to visit. Our native bluebells are vital both ecologically and culturally and they are often found in ancient woodlands because large colonies take so long to establish. The early blooms provide an important source of pollen and nectar for emerging insects.”

The Trust is asking visitors to its bluebell woods to enjoy the natural splendour this spring, while being careful not to destroy any flowers by sticking to proper paths and keeping dogs on leads.

Dave continued: “It can be very tempting to stray from the path for that perfect photo or to get away from the crowds sometimes. But it is vital we do all we can to look after bluebells for future generations because trampling by people and dogs can cause serious damage in seconds.”

The Trust’s Love Your Woods campaign encourages people to help protect woods and nature for the future. Visitors can play their part by following some simple guidelines, including staying on paths, taking dog mess and litter home, and protecting wildlife by keeping dogs close and staying fire free.

Notes to editors

For more information, please contact the Woodland Trust press office on 01476 602993 or email media@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Love Your Woods 

Woodland Trust sites are free to enter and open all year round so come prepared for nature in its natural state. This means no toilets, cafés, bins, or cleaning staff - just unmissable views, clean air, birdsong, and woodland paths for you to wander along to your heart’s content. You can help protect woods and nature for the future by following these top tips for your visit:

• Stay on the paths
• Take dog mess and litter home with you
• Protect wildlife by keeping dogs close
• Stay fire free
• Leave sleepovers to the wildlife
• Be considerate with den building
• Park with consideration for others
• Swimming is for wildlife only
• Woods are not good for rock climbing which destroys precious habitats
• Check access rules before cycling.

The Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK with more than 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.

The Trust has three key aims:

• protect ancient woodland, which is rare, unique, and irreplaceable.
• restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life.
• establish native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares. Access to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees.