Bluebell wood opens for bank holiday
A private bluebell wood near Stourbridge is opening to the public this weekend for the National Garden Scheme.
Keeper’s Cottage Bluebell Wood has attracted more than 1,000 visitors over the past three years and raised above £6,000 for NGS charities.
The woods stretch over the river banks of Smestow Brook, which runs into the River Stour nearby.
They are a haven for wildlife and are also believed to be a site of ancient nailmaking.
Owner Peter Brookes said: “The bluebells really are a magnificent sight at this time of year, they form a blue carpet running right down to the river.
“We have had a tremendous response over the past three years with people travelling from all over the Midlands. Many people come back year after year because they enjoy it so much.
“Many bluebell woods are on private land these days and not accessible to the public, so we decided to share ours with everyone, whilst raising money for the NGS.”
The woods are located at 24 Greensforge Lane, Stourton, near Stourbridge, DY7 5BB.
Peter and his wife Jenny will be opening the woods from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, May 5 and Bank Holiday Monday, May 6. Car parking is free and teas are available. Entrance is £4 for adults and children are free.
In 2018 the NGS donated £3.1 million to nursing and health charities, including £500,000 each to Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Hospice UK.