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Charlotte Thorogood

Walks and Springtime Flowers

The sun is breaking through the cold, melting the frost, creating a path for blossom to burst up to its rays. Animals emerge from their hibernation. A picturesque scene accompanied by a House Martin’s song. In Spring, there is so much beauty to be found, though sometimes there is so much to see that it can become overwhelming. 


So, here we’ve made a little guide on what flowers to keep an eye out for while you’re out and about in the Spring Suffolk countryside.


The Bluebell

bluebells
Bluebells in the rain | © National Trust Images / Hilary Daniel

April - May

You can tell that Spring is in full swing, when you can see the ‘blue carpets’ of Bluebells across the forest floor. A flower often associated with lasting love and gratitude, it truly is an indicator of the ancient beauty and importance of our woodland wildlife. Benefiting all kinds of insects like bees, butterflies and hoverflies, and can be found in forests as well as towns and gardens.


Bluebell Walks


Arger Fen and Spouse’s Vale

Arger Fen, nr Assington, Sudbury, Suffolk CO8 5BN

If you happen to be nearby any of the Suffolk Wool Towns, be sure to stop by here! A gorgeous woodland that too is ancient, being the home of a variety of English woodland plants and animals. 


Groton Wood

West of Kersey near Hadleigh, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP7 6HD

A Suffolk Wildlife Reserve not far from Nedging Hall, that has a long and ancient history. The bluebells here flourish and would be a shame to miss.


The Cowslip

cowslip

April - May

An early Spring flower that is perfect for the bees as they begin to emerge. Cowslip has a distinct place in English folklore and is traditionally seen during the May Day festival. Unfortunately, it is a rarer sight due to loss of habitat so if you find any be sure to treat them with special care to allow them to continue to flourish.


Cowslip Walks


Winks Meadow Nature Reserve

Christmas Lane, Metfield, Harleston, Suffolk, IP20 0JZ

A Suffolk grassland that contains a whole variety of wildflowers, including some of the rarer types. Spring is the best time to go, as it is used as a grazing ground for cattle to maintain the diversity of flowers along with their health.


The Foxglove

foxglove
Naturepl.com / Gary Edwardes

June - September

A grand and bold turret of colour that has a poisonous side. While you should not come too close to them, they are a great sight to see. Found in a variety of locations across Suffolk both on the ends of woodlands or cultivated in a garden.


Foxglove Walks


Lackford Lakes

Lackford Lakes, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6HX

A nature reserve that has a great number of flowers to explore, though foxgloves are certain to be found here. Take a walk around the lake and make use of the bird watching huts, be sure to send us pictures and tell us what you find!


The Snowdrop

snowdrop
John Martin / Alamy Stock Photo

January - March

The symbol of new beginnings, that truly embraces its name. Suffolk woodlands are the perfect place to hunt for these simple yet hearty flowers. Poking their heads through the frost and snow, they are a sight impossible to miss, upon the woodland floor.


Snowdrop Walks


Bradfield Woods National Nature Reserve

Bradfield Woods/Felsham Rd, Bury Saint Edmunds IP30 0AQ

The ancient woodland of Bradfield is a working wood that has practised traditional coppice management since 1252. The Snowdrop bulbs here are likely to be just as historic!


The Sweet Violet

sweet violet
Peter Barritt / Alamy Stock Photo

March - May

Growing close to the ground, be careful to avoid treading on these gorgeous and delicate flowers. As their name suggests, they garner a deep purple hue with a smell reminiscent of old-style perfumes. Commonly confused with its close cousin the Common Dog-Violet, you can tell the difference by the Sweet Violet’s distinct smell, that the Common-Dog lacks. Unfortunately, they have been in decline, due to over-foraging, so if you do come across one be sure to leave as they were found.


Sweet Violet Walks


Hadleigh Railway Walk

Hadleigh Circular Walk, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 5EG

A circular walk that will lead you along the line of an old disused railway that led to London. It’s a great opportunity to visit the historic town of Hadleigh and the surrounding countryside. In the woodland you’ll be sure to see a variety of wild flowers and Sweet Violets are known residents.


The Wild Daffodil

daffodils
© Ross Hoddinott / 2020VISION

March - April

Bright and bold, with their signature look, these flowers truly are a marker of British Spring. Their trumpet shaped inner-petals are a deep yellow, with a pale golden mane that is much like a lion’s. The Wild Daffodil garners this two-toned look which makes it stand out from the garden variety. Hidden in the shade of the woodland floor these flowers clump together pushing up through the damp earth.


Wild Daffodil Walks


Kentwell Hall

High Street, Long Melford, Sudbury CO10 9BA

A historical location in the heart of the village of Long Melford. With frequent events in store for you to explore. See the newborn lambs, hunt for some Easter eggs or even just enjoy a simple walk around the gardens in the Spring sun. Why not take a trip that way and see what daffodils you can spot? 


Nowton Park

Bury Rd, Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5LU

Rows upon rows of Wild Daffodil displays, a true sight that would be a shame to miss. Nowton Park is a treasure chest of woodland life, from plants to small creatures. Explore the countless walks around the park, and see what hidden gems there are to be found.


The Wood Anemone

wood anemone
Niall Benvie / naturepl.com

March - May

A star-shaped flower with golden sparkles of pollen clustered in their centre. Named after the Greek Wind God, Anemos, they are prophesied to be a message sent down to signal the coming of the Wind. 


Wood Anemone Walks


Comba Wood Nature Reserve

Combs Ford, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 2EH

A hidden away spot that is rich with ancient life. Dating as far back as the Domesday book, this wood has roots that bury deep into the earth. Flowers fill the forest floor, while treetops reach the skies, navigate the entangled history among the butterflies and moths. It is worth the trip!


The Yellow Iris

yellow iris
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

May - August

A burst of vivid sunshine, that can be found erupting from the wet woodland earth. You’ll tend to find them on the edge of ponds with draping yellow petals that are emblematic of their other common name, The Yellow Flag. 


Yellow Iris Walks


Hen Reedbeds Nature Reserve 

A1095 Halesworth Road, Southwold, Suffolk, IP18 6SH

A gorgeous wetland habitat that is the perfect place for Yellow Iris spotting! However, there is so much more to explore here, as the sight is an ideal place to do some bird-watching, with herons, bearded tits and norfolk hawkers taking residence in this area. If you have an especially keen eye, you may even spot some otters or water voles..


Newbourne Springs

Woodbridge Lane, Newbourne, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP12 4NY

During the Spring season you will be unlikely to miss the bold waving Yellow Flags that line up along the bank edge. This reserve is much like a secret garden, idyllic and peaceful with only the sounds of the stream to play tune to the rustle of the trees.


Conclusion

Nedging Hall itself is home to some of the most beautiful spring flowers. The daffodils surrounding the house need to be seen to be believed. Book yourself a Spring stay in our exclusive country house and enjoy discovering the many spring flowers on our estate and locally…



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