Open day at Dole Wood near Thurlby, Bourne, attracts 250 visitors to see Spring bluebells

An open day at Dole Wood, near Thurlby, attracted nearly 250 visitors to see a glorious carpet of bluebells.

The annual Dole Wood open day was hosted on Sunday (April 14) by the Bourne Area Group of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

The open day is timed to make the most of the breath-taking Spring spectacle as bluebells burst into colour along with a profusion of other wildflowers such as wood anemones, wild garlic and celandine.

Rachel Shaw, from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, said numbers were “significantly up” on last year’s 170 and many of the visitors, which included 30 children, were first-time visitors to the wood.

She said: “The Dole Wood open day went very well despite the cold weather and a smattering of hail at one point.

“Hot drinks sold well and cakes followed.

“The bluebells were lovely, they are still a little below peak so there is time to visit the wood and enjoy this spectacular sight of
Spring.”

This was the 30th open day held at Dole Wood Nature Reserve and organised by the Bourne Area Group of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. The first one was in 1989.

This year the Bourne Area Group, also covering Stamford and Market Deeping, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The group held its initial meeting on April 9, 1969 and now organises a lively local programme of events every year.