We were recently invited to one of Richard Jarmy Photography’s bluebell pop-up photoshoots. I had heard of the bluebell walk at Fairhaven and I know a few people who’ve been to Blickling to see them but it’s never really occurred to me to take the Mini Mumblers to see any bluebells. Richard’s shoots are in woods in Costessey (details below) and after a short walk into the centre of the woods, we were in the middle of a semi-clearing in amongst loads of the beautiful flowers. I had never even heard of these woods, let alone heard they were a good place to go and see bluebells!
I’ve listed the information below of all the places I’ve found on the internet from various sources, including the EDP and Norwich Mumbler Chat group. Let me know if you find somewhere not on the list and we’ll add it on for next year!
Bacton Wood — Not far from North Walsham on the Happisburgh Road.
Blickling Estate — Just north of Aylsham.
Buckenham Wood — Near Strumpshaw.
Burlingham Wood — Near Acle.
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden — South Walsham.
Foxley Wood — 25km north west of Norwich on Fakenham Road. Foxley is Norfolk’s largest remaining ancient woodland. (A Mumbler fave!)
Greenacres Memorial Park — An eco-burial site at Colney mentioned by a member on the Norwich Mumbler Chat group.
Hainford Bluebell Wood — Part of Norfolk Bluebell Wood Burial Park.
Lower Wood, Ashwellthorpe — An ancient woodland south-east of Wymondham, it was recorded in the Domesday Book.
Reydon Wood – Actually in Suffolk, north of Southwold.
Pigneys Wood — Has a 450-year-old ancient oak tree ‘the Old Oak’ which is next to a small woodland area, near Knapton.
Pretty Corner Woods – On the outskirts of Sheringham.
Sheringham Park — Sheringham
Sisland Carr — Near to Chedgrave and Loddon.
St Peters, Spixworth – Spixworth Church and Grange Farm.
Thursford Wood — It has some of the oldest oak trees in Norfolk, north east of Fakenham.
Wayland Wood — South of Watton.
Walsingham Abbey — Walsingham, NR22.
These are all the ones I’ve found but please do check any details you can before travelling there. I wouldn’t want anyone to get there bluebell hopes up for nothing!
More info about looking after bluebells, including how you can help.
And some of my own snaps from the location of Richard’s shoot…
East Hills Wood, Longwater Lane, Costessey, NR5 0TH
There is a small car park with entrance opposite the Pymm & Co. Walk down the path and take the left hand fork, the bluebells are just a few minutes walk away and the path is mostly buggy friendly (if a little muddy at the moment).
Full disclosure: The bluebell photoshoot was a freebie for Norwich Mumbler but I wasn’t asked to put together a post about bluebells or even asked to post any of the photos. I’ve worked with Richard a few times now and only work with people I trust and businesses that have a similar ethos to Mumbler. With Richard it’s always a great experience and I would highly recommend using him as a photographer. If you’re interested in booking a slot at his last bluebell pop-up photoshoot, here’s the LINK.
