SPRING events in SUSSEX: Lambing & Bluebells
LAMBING early March – mid/end April
West Sussex:
Coombes Farm Lambing Tours nr Lancing BN15 0RS. Spring [mid-March to mid-April generally March 9th – April 14th 2024]. Ewes lambing, cows calving, tractor rides to the top of the Downs (£4 pp), stunning views, late evening lambing (often adult only). Book online [£6 adult, £4 children, +£1 at the gate, subject to availability].
East Sussex:
Middle Farm West Firle, Lewes, BN8 6LJ. Family farm with a small flock of sheep, lambing in spring , playground and play hay barn, animal handling sessions, farm shop, tea room, gift shop, 01323 811411
South Brockwells Farm Shop, Little Horsted TN22 5QS. Home grown & locally sourced produce, cafe, open Wed-Sat & daily during home-grown asparagus season (23rd April-21st June); Seasonal events: Lambing March-April, Sheep Racing & Farm Open Days (June/August), 01825 750466
Sanctuary Farm, Pick Hill, Heathfield, TN21 0JP. The Lambs are expected from early March onwards. There will be newly born lambs to hold. Debbie, Sean and the family will be able to answer any lambing related questions you have too. Additional Easter treats available at the sessions on April 1-2 and ‘no frills’ sessions for SEND needs on April 3-4.
Forestside Smallholding, Clockhouse Lane, Nutley TN22 3NY. Family-run smallholding in the heart of the Ashdown forest, Easter events, lambing, email to book a slot: [email protected]
BLUEBELL WOODLAND WALKS mid-April to mid/end-May
Fun Facts
Did you know that…
> Almost half the world’s bluebells are found in the UK, they’re relatively rare elsewhere.
> It is against the law to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy bluebells.
> Bluebells are an indicator of ancient woodlands and take a long time to establish, around 5-7 years from seed to flower.
> Bluebells can take years to recover after footfall damage.
> If you plant bluebells in your garden, make sure you’re planting the English bluebell not the Spanish version, as they will compete with the native species.
Here are a few places in Sussex where you can find Bluebells…
To the east & north east:
Stanmer Park, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RE – beautiful woodland walks and extensive open lands. Accessible by bus/train/car [parking fee apply].
Ditchling Common, Ditchling BN6 8SG, woodland, grassland [free parking].
Wakehurst Botanical Gardens, Ardingly RH17 6TN [free for NT members but parking fee apply].
Walk Wood, Sheffield Park Garden NT, nr Uckfield TN22 3QX.
Rockinghill Wood, Standen House & Garden NT, nr East Grinstead RH19 4NE.
Heaven Farm, nr Uckfield TN22 3RG, ancient bluebell woodland nature trail, feed the carp and treat yourself to a Latchetts’ ice cream! [entry fee].
Standen Estate NT, East Grinstead RH19 4NE.
Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, TN22 4HJ (n/r Uckfield).
Selwyns Wood nr Heathfield TN21 0QN.
Flatropers Wood nr Peasmarsh TN31 6TH.
The Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trail, Arlington, nr Polgate BN26 6SH [entry fee].
Brede High Woods, 6 miles north of Hastings, High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty [free car park].
Marline Valley nr Hastings TN38 9NY.
To the west, north & north west:
Butchers Wood BN6 9PH, ancient oak woodland, start from the Hassocks train station, path off Keymer Rd (SE of the railway line).
Nymans NT, Handcross RH17 6EB.
Woods Mill Nature Reserve nr Henfield BN5 9SD [no dog allowed].
The Mens nr Billingshurst RH14 0HR.
Ebernoe Common nr Petworth GU28 9LD.
Slindon Estate NT Arundel BN18 0RG.
Butler’s Copse, between Angmering & Arundel BN18 9PX, free parking at the end of Dover Lane.
**Note: National Trust (NT) woodlands are free for NT members, entry fee apply.**
Source: Woodland Trust, National Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust
