ARLINGTON BLUEBELL TRAIL (Bates Green Garden open Wednesdays & Saturdays only)
THE BLUEBELL TRAIL starts on Friday 3 April and runs until 10 May. You can find out all about it and the charities running the event each day, on the website at www.bluebellwalk.co.uk.
Since 1972 the Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail has developed into five interesting walks over two working farms whilst helping to raise money for local charities.
One walk of 2/3 mile (1100 meters) through Beatons Wood has been made suitable for wheelchair users. This is where you see white anemones followed by the vistas of bluebells, established over centuries. On this walk there are seats for you to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this oak and hornbeam wood. Along the walks there are signs illustrating the flora and fauna of the countryside for your information.
In 2026, viewing of the cows being milked at neighbouring Parkwood Farm is again not possible, as a major new state of the art circular milking parlour will unfortunately still not be open to the public, as it has been beset with adverse weather conditions and planning issues. Also, it takes time for the large herd of cows to get familiar with their new milking parlour. In 2027 we will be publicizing the opening of a new viewing gallery, which was incorporated in the design.
At Primrose Farm there is a horse livery, also this is where the young cattle for the dairy herd are housed in the winter months.
There are pens of Kerry Hill ewes and lambs, and female pygmy goats with their kids, for the children to see close up. Please ensure children wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap at the adjoining sink if they do stroke any of the animals.
The Bluebell Walk is managed by John McCutchan with the support of The Bluebell Walk Advisory Group, comprising of members of his family and others committed to ensuring that the Arlington Bluebell Walk continues to raise money for local charities. It could not operate without the participation of the many local charities, who welcome visitors and offer them delicious refreshments every day it is open.
The first week opens on Friday and Saturday with the Sussex Cancer Fund, Sunday and Monday with East Sussex Foster Care Association, Tuesday and Wednesday with the Children with Cancer Fund, Thursday and Friday with the Children’s Respite Trust.