Bluebell season has started early, with woodlands already erupting into seas of violet-blues. 

When bluebells bloom each year depends on the weather, with the peak normally being the start of May. The recent wet and warm weather spells will have triggered the season to start slightly earlier than normal.

Up to half of the world’s population of bluebells can be found in the UK, making this a quintessential British spectacle. Essex Wildlife Trust looks after several of the best bluebell woods in Essex. The Trust is encouraging visitors to come and enjoy this spectacle while it is at its peak. 

Visitors are reminded to stick to designated paths when visiting a bluebell wood and to be careful of where they step, as these delicate flowers can be damaged easily.

Emily Buttress of Essex Wildlife Trust, says: “One bluebell can take between five and seven years to establish, and if the flower gets tread on and damaged, they can die-back easily, meaning minor damage can leave a long-lasting impact. To walk in a bluebell wood is simply a magical experience so we need to ensure these flowers are protected, allowing generations to come to also enjoy the magnificent spectacle.” 

We have chosen five of our nature reserves where you can enjoy this phenomenon. All the Trust’s nature reserves are free to visit, with donations encouraged to help manage and protect the sites.

Top nature reserves to see bluebells in Essex:

Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre, Billericay

Walk along the panoramic views of the reservoir with accessible bird hides to get to the ancient woodland, filled with bluebells. Perfect for families, you can purchase a £1 trail map and meet the characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ on your way. Afterwards, relax in the Nature Discovery Centre café, with fantastic views of the reservoir.

There is a large free car park and a café with toilets and baby changing facilities. Please note, no dogs are allowed. Open from 10am-5pm.

Join Chelmsford Local Group for an after-hours walk to see the bluebells with Bill Godsafe, reserve Ranger. Wednesday 6 May, 6pm-8pm. Donations welcome to support the Trust. Find out more.

Weeleyhall Wood nature reserve, Weeley 

This nature reserve is one of the finest surviving woods in the Tendring area, with bluebells and yellow archangel covering half of the woodland in a sea of colours.

Join Tendring Local Group for their annual Bluebell Day on Sunday 3 May, 11am-4pm. Designated parking is near the church, refreshments and a plant stall will be available, with all donations going to Essex Wildlife Trust. Find out more.

Please note, dogs are not permitted in the wood in spring, to protect the vulnerable ground-nesting birds on-site.

Pound Wood nature reserve, Thundersley

Part of the Daws Heath Living Landscape, this ancient woodland underwent significant habitat restoration and is now a wonderful site for a spring walk, with carpets of bluebells and the familiar sounds of a drumming woodpecker echoing throughout. Combine a visit with two further nature reserves next door, Tile Wood and Little Haven, and then complete your visit with a walk to Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre for a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

There is no car park on site. Dogs allowed on leads and under effective control.

Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre, Havering-atte-Bower

The Nature Discovery Centre offers stunning views over London and into Kent, from a hilltop location, while the peaceful woodland display wonderful arrays of spring flowers, including bluebells. There is also a captive herd of Red Deer outside of the Centre, where you can buy deer feed.

There is a large free car park and play area. Dogs allowed on leads and under effective control on the reserve, only assistance dogs are allowed in the Nature Discovery Centre.

Shut Heath Wood nature reserve, Great Totham

A quiet and peaceful woodland that fills with colourful bluebells, bugle, cuckooflower, wood anemone and dog violent. There is space for a few cars along the track. Please keep dogs on lead and under effective control to avoid disturbance to ground flora and fauna.