People encouraged to visit enchanting forest carpet of bluebells at Prehen Woods

The Woodland Trust is calling on visitors to enjoy the natural splendour of its bluebell woods this spring.
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 spring-time sight of a bluebell-carpeted woodland.

The conservation charity’s top picks to visit locally include Derry's Prehen Wood and Drumnaph Wood in Maghera.
The rare and irreplaceable ancient woodland at Prehen Woods has a magical feel, with carpets of bluebell, celandine and wood anemone in the spring. It is home to the sparrowhawk, long-eared owl and offers terrific views overlooking the Maiden City, and the River Foyle.

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.

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 Woodland 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 Woodland 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.