The ‘ancient’ forest a short drive from Peterborough that's transformed by a ‘carpet’ of bluebells each spring
It’s under a 20-minute drive from Peterborough city centre
With the clocks going forward this weekend, it’s starting to feel like spring has truly arrived.
By the end of the month, the sun won’t set in Peterborough until after 7.30pm, providing us with ample time to enjoy the warmer weather.
If you spend all day cooped up in an office, going for an evening walk is perhaps the best way to unwind and let your mind rest.
Spring in full bloom is a sight to behold, with grass verges, inner-city parks and other areas of greenery transformed by colour.
Over the next couple of weeks we’ll enter bluebell season, which typically runs from early April to late May.
The bright blue flowers take over many open spaces during late spring, particularly very old woodlands.
You’ll no doubt start noticing clumps of bluebells wherever you go in Peterborough over the coming weeks, but certain woodlands just outside the city are taken over by the beautiful flowers at this time of year.
Why Old Sulehay Forest is the best place near Peterborough to see bluebells this spring
According to the Wildlife Trust, a sure-fire sign of being in a historic woodland is the presence of bluebells - and that’s definitely the case with Old Sulehay Forest.
The forest floor is transformed into a carpet of vibrant blue during late spring, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Those exploring Old Sulehay’s natural beauty may not realise that the reserve is one of the last remnants of the ancient Rockingham Forest.
At nearly 85 hectares, the site offers plenty of space for visitors to explore over the spring months.
Away from its beautiful flowers, the forest is also brimming with wildlife and boasts a thriving woodpecker population.
Old Sulehay is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, providing legal protection for its exceptional natural features.
Limited parking is available in Sulehay Road, or visitors can walk to the reserve from one of the surrounding villages.
Dogs on leads are allowed all year round.