BLUEBELLS will be explored in a walkabout at a North Dorset beauty spot this Saturday.

The Woodland Trust is hosting a series of walks and talks about Duncliffe Wood and its bluebells on April 26.

It aims to introduce the public to both this ancient woodland’s bluebell carpets and its importance to the Dorset environment.

The native British bluebell is often found in ancient woodland, one of the richest habitats for native species in the UK, and is a traditional sign of the arrival of spring, blossoming throughout late April and May. The bluebell is now a protected species and since 1998 it has been against the law to pick them. Sarah Stebbing, Woodland Trust Site Manager for Wiltshire and North & East Dorset said: “There are few sights more evocative of English spring than a carpet of bluebells blossoming beneath the sprouting canopy of an ancient woodland.

“It is a truly magical sight seeing the woodland floor taken over in a sea of blue, and with Duncliffe Wood, North Dorset is privileged to be able to witness this year after year. Walks and talks are at 10.30am and 12pm at Duncliffe Wood, west of Shaftesbury. Each walk lasts around 45 minutes and the paths are a mixture of stony track and muddy/grass rides.

For more information see woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods