Head to the woods for a wonderful Mother’s Day treat

Head to the woods for a wonderful Mother’s Day treat 

For the perfect Mother’s Day outing, why not plan a wonderful walk in a forest or woodland near you this Sunday? Taking Mum for a spring picnic or a walk winding through some of the beautiful woodland wildflowers starting to emerge will be the perfect treat for her and a lovely way to spend time together.

Forestry England have put together a list of top spots from across the nation’s forests and as leaf buds appear and the days get longer, these beautiful places offer a chance to unwind and enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of springtime. So, this Mother’s Day pack up your picnic rug and flask and choose the perfect place for a wonderful wellbeing treat - nature will provide the flowers and you can bring the chocolates!

Forestry England’s top Mother’s Day spots:

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Kent

Great swathes of bluebells carpet Forestry England Bedgebury in springtime including beautiful, tucked away spots within the conifer conservation project on the outskirts of the pinetum. There’s a bench where you can sit and be completely hidden away and surrounded by the sea of blue. The Dell area of the pinetum displays glorious colour in springtime from the many azaleas and rhododendrons. This area was once an old quarry but is now a feast for the eyes and a tranquil place to visit.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Magnolia flowering is always a special time in the Old Arboretum and the ‘Westonbirt Diva’ is a magnificent attraction in spring as the dramatic display of wonderful pink flowers reaching to the sky dominates the view on Circular Drive. Take a walk in Silk Wood to drink in more of nature’s springtime show. This is a glorious woodland in spring – full of birdsong and a riot of colour thanks to carpets of native wildflowers - primrose, lesser celandine, wood anemone and bluebells.

Micheldever Wood, Hampshire

This beautiful predominantly beech wood, just five miles from Winchester, is home to a diverse range of birds and insects as well as putting on a stunning display of bluebells and other woodland wildflowers. Two waymarked trails, including a buggy-friendly family trail mean it’s a great spot to plan a spring outing for all ages. 

Alice Holt Forest, Hampshire

Get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful picnic at Lodge Pond. Explore Lodge Pond Trail as it passes through beautiful mixed broadleaf woodland and open mature pine forest. It is believed that Lodge Pond was created as one of a series of fisheries by Medieval monks. They would have used it to breed carp which formed an important part of their diet. Picnic tables are available. 

Dymock Woods, Herefordshire

Wild daffodils, also known as the Lent Lily, flower in March. Dymock Woods puts on a spectacular display with the woodland carpeted in golden yellow each year. Within the woods is Shaw Common, one of the best woodland sites in Britain for wild daffodils. The Daffodil Way, a 10-mile circular walk, also passes through Dymock Woods. Each year the villages within the 'Golden Triangle' organise a festival, which includes guided walks to see the flowers and teas in the village halls.

Lynford Arboretum, Norfolk

Lynford Arboretum near Thetford is noted for its variety of bird life and spring flowers and is the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet. Starting from the main carpark, the Red Walk leads you through an important collection of over 200 species of trees, many planted to evaluate their resilience to East Anglia’s temperate climate, sandy soils and below average rainfall. 

Fineshade Wood, Northamptonshire

Fineshade Wood near Corby is the perfect location for a woodland wander. Look out for winter aconites, members of the buttercup family with beautiful, yellow cup-shaped flowers. Aconites are one of the first to flower in woodlands and take advantage of the maximum amount of sunlight penetrating the tree canopy early in the year. The on-site Grounds Cafe is ideal for a warming drink and treat after your adventure.

Staindale Lake, Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire

Set in the heart of Dalby Forest, Staindale Lake is the perfect spring picnic spot, and the Lakeside Walk is an accessible trail with plenty of spring sights and sounds to enjoy as you walk or sit including migrating birds back from their over wintering journeys.

Grizedale Forest, Cumbria

Daffodils nestling on the slopes of Grizedale Forest in the heart of the Lake District are a stunning sight on a spring day. Breathtaking views of the surrounding fells, an extensive network of walking and cycling trails and inspiring sculptures by some of the leading names in contemporary art make this is a wonderful forest to discover this Mother’s Day. 

Whinlatter Forest, Cumbria

Picnic at Whinlatter, England’s only mountain forest. Explore winding paths through the trees as you find the perfect spot to stop and take in the nature around you. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including red squirrels. Climb to Bob’s seat, a stunning viewpoint along forest roads and enjoy the views across to Grizedale Pike, the town of Keswick and beyond.