The Best Bluebell Woods in Holmfirth
Looking for bluebell woods in Holmfirth?
There can be nothing more magical than a bluebell wood – the intoxicating perfume and the carpet of blue flowers are amazing. Bluebells are usually a sign of ancient woodland. We’re lucky to have a few bluebell woods in Holmfirth and nearby, so here is a quick round up of the best.
According to the Woodland Trust “There are countless folklore tales surrounding bluebells, many of which involve dark fairy magic. Bluebell woods are believed to be intricately woven with fairy enchantments, used by these mischievous beings to trap humans. It is also said that if you hear a bluebell ring, you will be visited by a bad fairy, and will die not long after. If you are to pick a bluebell, many believe you will be led astray by fairies, wandering lost forevermore.
In the language of flowers, the bluebell is a symbol of humility, constancy, gratitude and everlasting love. It is said that if you turn a bluebell flower inside-out without tearing it, you will win the one you love, and if you wear a wreath of bluebells you will only be able to speak the truth.” No wonder they seem so magical!
If you visit a bluebell wood, be sure to take care and don’t trample on the plants. These protected plants need to be cared for. Native bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are a protected wildflower under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This means you can’t dig up the plant or bulb in the countryside, and if you are lucky enough to own bluebells on your land you can’t remove them to sell. It’s best to leave them where you find them for others to enjoy, as well as the wildlife. Bluebells are an early source of nectar for many insects including bees, woodland butterflies and hoverflies.
Bluebells usually flower from mid-April to late May, depending on the weather conditions. If spring is mild they tend to bloom early.
Here are 11 places to see bluebell woods in Holmfirth – click the link to open up a map.
Sands Woods, off Berry Bank Lane, Holmfirth (HD9 3TS)
Netherley Wood, near Brownhill Reservoir – see this Ramsden and Brownhill Reservoirs Walk
Wood off Park Side, Jackson Bridge
Mollicar Woods (aka Royd House Woods), Farnley Tyas
Jenkinson Wood (Storthes Hall Wood), Storthes Hall
Further afield, Nostell Priory has an amazing woodland walk which is packed with bluebells.
Happy bluebell hunting!
Some other local walks you might like:
