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| Bluebells in Fforest Fawr |
Spring, one of my favourite times of the year when the woodlands, meadows and forests come back to life and everything starts to bloom again. Late April also ushers in those special 2-3 weeks when most forests are carpeted in beautiful purple bluebells.
While you can take a bet on any local woodlands and hope to see fields of bluebells, there are a few spots in and around Cardiff that are consistent year after year and well worth a visit. While this isn't an exhaustive list, I recommend having visited all the locations listed.
1. Fforest Fawr
Our favourite spot as we know this forest pretty well, you may need to follow one of the small paths off the main trail to find the best display of bluebells but its relatively easy to navigate. The sculpture trail at Fforest Fawr is great for kids and during the spring this mixed woodland is home not only to bluebells but also wood anemones and wild garlic. There is free parking and picnic benches, What3words to the carpark is enter.lowest.defend
2. The Wenallt
The Wenallt is probably the most well-known and popular spot for those seeking out bluebells and can be a bit busier than other green spaces this time of the year (but plenty of space for everyone). The Wenallt is a designated ancient woodland and Site of Special Interest with plenty of footpaths to explore. A beautiful woodland all year round but especially so when the carpets of bluebells come out. Free parking, what3words zeal.lions.gone
3. Casehill Woods, Dinas Powys
Casehill Woods in Dinas Powys is such magical woodlands and one we have really enjoyed exploring more over the recent years. Easily accessible from Cardiff, there is a small free car park although you can walk the 20 minutes from Dinas Powys train station. Beaming with wildlife not only is this a great spot for bluebells but also for spotting fungi. Free parking what3words knots.barn.speech
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| Bluebells at Cefn Onn Park, Cardiff |
4. Cefn Onn Park
While this beautiful grade 2 listed historic park doesn't offer the scope of larger woodlands it does have very pretty pockets of bluebells around the woodland garden and dingle that is easy for younger children to enjoy. Cefn Onn Park is also an access point to the footpaths of Caerphilly Mountain where you can explore further. There is free parking what3words united.lend.tuck
5. Brynna Woods, Brynna
Brynna woods is a wonderful woodland in Rhondda Cynon Taff, around 25 mins from Cardiff city centre. There is a family-friendly circular route which will take you through woodlands, meadows and marsh with beautiful pockets of bluebells dotted around the woods. The best place to park is at Brynna Recreation Ground for free then walk over towards the Primary school where there is lane running down between the school and allotments, this lane takes you to the woodlands.
6. Bute Park
Bute Park, is the most accessible green space in the city centre and is perfect for those who cannot travel far. While it doesn't have the sweeping carpets of bluebells like some woodlands is does have pockets of bluebells that are lovely. Again a perfect spot for kids as this green belt offers so much as well as toilets, cafes and a nature playground. Paid parking nearby
Further afield
Wentwood Forest near Newport/Chepstow
If you are able to travel further afield you won't be disappointed with a visit to Wentwood Forest, the largest area of ancient woodland in Wales and in spring the paths are surrounded by carpets of bluebells. Perfect for budding photographers to catch the magic of springtime. Free parking at Cadira Beeches car park what3words tagging.lends.degrading
