Essington farm invites the public to take a walk through stunning bluebell walk for charity

Essington Fruit Farm is inviting the public to take a walk through its Bluebell Walk, a walk which it puts on every year when the bluebells have grown.

With the weather having been better than previous years, the bluebells have grown earlier than expected and so owner Richard Simkin has opened up the walk for Bank Holiday weekend.

Visitors are being invited to make a donation to charity, with the farm giving all donations raised to the Brain Tumour Charity, a cause Mr Simkin said he was a firm supporter of due to knowing people afflicted by it.

He said: "We had several people that we knew had been affected by it and one of our regular customers lost his wife to a brain tumour, while we also came into contact with three or four cases close together.

"That was what influenced us to pick that charity for this year and what we're doing is leaving is up to people to make their own mind how much they want to donate to the cause.

"We ask for donations on the way in and we would settle for a minimum of £2 to £3, so we're hoping to raise a few hundred pounds for the charity."

Mr Simkin said the bluebells were something quintessentially English, with the bluebells grown at the farm being of the English variety, and said they could form part of a full day out at the farm.

He said: "They started growing at Easter because of the warm weather, but we've managed to get them to this weekend and so we've opened up normally for the Bank Holiday.

"We've also got a stunning selection of plants on sale as the sunshine has brought them all out and people can also visit our shop and cafe, so there's lots to see at the farm over the weekend."

As well as Essington Farm, there are a number of other locations where people can take in the beauty of bluebells:

Saltwells Nature Reserve

Address: Saltwells Lane, Quarry Bank, Brierley Hill DY2 0AP

Saltwells nature reserve covers 247 acres and is known for it's 'spectacular' bluebell walks. Visitors can enjoy a long walk through Saltwells Wood and admire the bluebell covered ancient woodlands, which has well marked trails for all abilities.

Lickey Hills

Address: Warren Ln, Rednal, Birmingham B45 8ER

Not only do the 524-acre Worcestershire woodlands offer incredible views, but a bluebell trail that is a mile and a half long through the trees, den building areas, and a play park.

Cotwall End Valley

Address: The Alley, Dudley DY3 2UL

An 'easy' four mile walk passes through picturesque wooded valleys with pools, brooks and natural springs. Afterwards, visitors can head to Brockswood sanctuary and meet the animals.

Alder Coppice Woods

Address: Northway, Dudley DY3 3RF

The local nature reserve is 25 acres of ancient woodland between Northway and Pennwood Farm in Sedgley. The bluebells and woodland flowers in spring and early summer create 'a wonderful display'.

Bunkers Hill

Bunkers Hill in Stourbridge is over 100 acres of beautiful woodlands, treating visitors to views of Kinver Edge to the west and countryside stretching towards Stourbridge and Birmingham to the east. There are a number of trails and terrains for all visitors.

Chaddesley Wood, Kidderminster

Address: Kidderminster DY10 4NX

It is thought that these woods can be traced back to the Ice Age due to the presence of ancient woodland species. Managed by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, it is the second largest woodland area in Worcestershire.

Merrion's Wood, Walsall

Address: Merrion's Wood Lodge, Birmingham Road, Walsall, B43 7AN

Near the town centre is a 20 acre 'secret' oak and beech woodland that blossoms with bluebells in the spring. The main path leads to a woodland pool and bridge as well as a playing field for picnics and games.