Celebrate Beautiful Bluebells in East Devon’s Ancient Woodland

East Devon District Council's Countryside team and the Holyford Woodland Trust prepare for the annual Bluebell Day at Holyford Woods on Monday 1 May.

With this year’s Bluebell Day falling on May Day Bank Holiday the annual event is set to be as popular as ever!

For those wanting to make the most of the day, there is a free Dawn Chorus Walk at 6am starting from the Seaton Down Hill picnic site, opposite the Seaton Tower Garage. The walk, led by experienced bird-watcher, Donald Campbell, will help participants to identify the birds they see and hear as they sing to welcome in the new day.

The main Bluebell Day celebrations will continue in Holyford Woods from 11am – 4pm. Visitors will enjoy a magical carpet of bluebells in the woods, as well as homemade refreshments and a variety of free walks and activities to suit all ages.

All activities will start from the Countryside team display trailer, unless otherwise stated on arrival and include guided Wild Flower and History walks, Campfire cooking, Stream Safari and much more!

There will be stalls to browse and representation from a range of local groups including; the East Devon District Council Countryside team, Axe Vale and District Conservation Society, Goren Farm and the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

As well as delicious campfire snacks cooked in the woods, homemade refreshments will be available with all proceeds going towards the management of Holyford Woods Trust.

Chairman of Holyford Woodland Trust, Mike Elsey said: "This annual event is a real highlight in the East Devon countryside events calendar, it is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to enjoy the magnificent setting of this ancient woodland and a range of activities on offer."

East Devon, Countryside Team Leader, Tim Dafforn said: "Bluebell Day is always popular with local residents and visitors. The woods are truly beautiful, particularly at this time of year and Bluebell Day is a great celebration and showcase of this."

Visitors are encouraged to walk to the site. There is no vehicle access on the day, and anyone planning on driving should park at Colyford Memorial Hall where a free shuttle bus will be running throughout the day. The first bus will leave at 11am and the last bus returns at 4.15pm. Overflow parking is available at Colyton Grammar School.

For more information about Bluebell Day please visit www.wildeastdevon.co.uk or www.holyfordwoods.org.uk