North Cliffe Wood walk - North Clife Wood bluebells

Route: North Cliffe Wood

Area: East Yorkshire

Date of walk: 26th April 2025

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 2.5 miles

Ascent: none

Weather: Pale sunshine

North Cliffe Wood Nature Reserve is managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and is well worth a visit at any time of year but especially so in spring, when there are carpets of bluebells throughout the woods. Our last visit here was exactly one year ago and looking back on previous years I’d recommend late April or early May as being the best time to see the bluebells at their peak

There are a few roadside parking spaces along Sand Lane by the two entrances to the wood and we parked in one of these. On entering the wood we followed the track along its eastern edge. Within a couple of minutes we were greeted by the wonderful sight – and scent – of countless bluebells. The sight was enhanced by occasional patches of stitchwort and primrose, and a host of warblers provided background musical accompaniment. Thanks to the Merlin app we identified the calls of chiffchaff, willow warbler, blackcap, goldcrest and several other species

We walked around the perimeter of the wood, and also a small area of heathland where grass snakes may regularly be seen basking in the summer months

We then re-entered the wood, following a path around the edge until we arrived back at the start

There seems to be an increasing issue these days with visitors to bluebell woods leaving the main paths and walking over the plants, perhaps in order to get a better photo. Once the plants are damaged by trampling they can’t photosynthesise enough energy and it can take them years to recover. Could I please ask anyone following this walk (or indeed any walk through a bluebell wood) to keep to the main paths and avoid contact with the plants

I hope you enjoy the photos of bluebells which follow…

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