Breathtaking photographs show carpets of bluebells hidden in UK woodlands

Tranquil sea of blue you can only see from home: Stunning photos show carpets of bluebells hidden in UK woods – and off limits to us all during lockdown

  • Stunning images show the pretty flowers blooming in woodland areas across the whole of the country 
  • Bluebells bloomed weeks early this year, helping to lift the spirits of the nation during coronavirus lockdown
  • Experts say lots of sun and rain last summer helped the bulbs soak up plenty of nutrients so they look vibrant   
  • Do you have a bluebell field near you? Send us your pictures! Email: [email protected] 
  • Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID

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Breathtaking photographs have revealed carpets of bluebells hidden in woodlands across the UK as the beloved British flower comes into bloom a fortnight early, lifting the spirit of the nation during the coronavirus lockdown.

The pretty flowers have so far been spotted in Micheldever Woods in Hampshire, Epping Forest in East London and Portglenone Forest in Ulster.

They have also been spotted in Peterborough and Surrey, with many people enjoying the beautiful flowers while out on their daily exercise breaks.

The flowers usually bloom at the beginning of May, transforming many woodlands into an odyssey of tranquil blue.

Stunning! Bluebells have flowered in Micheldever in Hampshire. The early-flowering comes as the good weather is set to continue across the UK 

Deer in a park in Romford , Essex. Graze amongst the Bluebells in the early morning light. The animals were enjoying the peace and quiet

The fragrant carpets of flowers in Britain’s woodlands are providing a tranquil haven for many taking their daily permitted walk. Pictured is Micheldever Woods

Experts say lots of sun and rain last summer helped the bulbs soak up plenty of nutrition. Pictured above, bluebells in Portglenone Forest

Experts say lots of sun and rain last summer helped the bulbs soak up plenty of nutrition. Pictured above, bluebells in Portglenone Forest

Wood larks: Cockapoo Cookie in Peterborough. The bluebells should be in flower for two to three weeks, said Guy Barter, chief horticulturalist for the Royal Horticultural Society

Wood larks: Cockapoo Cookie in Peterborough. The bluebells should be in flower for two to three weeks, said Guy Barter, chief horticulturalist for the Royal Horticultural Society

Everly Fidler, four, in Surrey yesterday. Other flowers expected to benefit from the settled conditions are meadow orchids, clematis and rhododendrons

Everly Fidler, four, in Surrey yesterday. Other flowers expected to benefit from the settled conditions are meadow orchids, clematis and rhododendrons

Experts say lots of sun and rain last summer helped the bulbs soak up plenty of nutrition.

Guy Barter, chief horticulturalist for the Royal Horticultural Society, said: ‘The bluebells are certainly putting on a good display.’

They should be in flower for two to three weeks, he said, adding that fruit trees are also producing wonderful blossom.

Two cute dogs were pictured playing around this morning in the Portglenone Forest in Ulster today as they enjoyed the bluebells

Two cute dogs were pictured playing around this morning in the Portglenone Forest in Ulster today as they enjoyed the bluebells 

In Wanstead Park today in London, the bluebells were blooming beautifully. The stunning colour is enough to brighten up your day

In Wanstead Park today in London, the bluebells were blooming beautifully. The stunning colour is enough to brighten up your day

Bluebells are starting to bloom across the UK helping to lift the spirit of the nation in the midst of the coronavirus lockdown. Pictured above is Micheldever Woods in Hampshire

Bluebells are starting to bloom across the UK helping to lift the spirit of the nation in the midst of the coronavirus lockdown. Pictured above is Micheldever Woods in Hampshire 

Bluebells for miles! These stunning shots were posted online of the pretty bluebells at Dartmoor National Park

Bluebells for miles! These stunning shots were posted online of the pretty bluebells at Dartmoor National Park 

Other flowers expected to benefit from the settled conditions are meadow orchids, clematis and rhododendrons.

Around half of the world’s bluebells are found in the UK.

They are a protected species – it is illegal to pick, uproot or destroy them and walkers are urged to stick to paths rather than wander through the flowers.

Bluebells usually flower from mid-April to late May, and are more prevalent in the South West of England due to the warmer climate. 

Wildlife up and down the country have also been enjoying the bluebells and a deer was seen enjoying the flowers at a park in Romford this morning.

This is while two playful dogs were also seen enjoying themselves, and the bluebells, in a field in Ulster. 

The sun sets through a blubell wood near Milborne St Andrew in Dorset last night as the sky lit up with a warm orange glow

The sun sets through a blubell wood near Milborne St Andrew in Dorset last night as the sky lit up with a warm orange glow

Even the animals are enjoying the bluebells! This deer at a park in Romford was seen walking around the bluebells in the early morning light

Even the animals are enjoying the bluebells! This deer at a park in Romford was seen walking around the bluebells in the early morning light