Bluebell Wood

Wood, Forest in Leicestershire Melton

England

Bluebell Wood

Bluebell Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Leicestershire, England. Covering approximately 20 acres, it is a beautiful example of a British woodland and is renowned for its stunning display of bluebells during the spring season.

The woodland is composed of a mixture of broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense canopy overhead. This provides a cool and shady environment, perfect for a peaceful walk or picnic on a warm summer's day. The forest floor is covered with a thick carpet of bluebells, creating a mesmerizing sea of vibrant blue flowers that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Bluebell Wood is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds such as woodpeckers, tawny owls, and warblers. The woodland also provides a habitat for small mammals like squirrels, rabbits, and foxes. Nature enthusiasts can often spot these creatures scurrying through the undergrowth or hear the melodic songs of the birds echoing through the trees.

The wood is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers, who are drawn to its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can explore the network of well-maintained paths that wind their way through the woodland, allowing for easy access to the various viewpoints and picnic spots. There is also a small visitor center, providing information about the woodland and its inhabitants.

Bluebell Wood is a true gem of Leicestershire, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its enchanting bluebells, diverse wildlife, and serene surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a connection with nature.

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Bluebell Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.858218/-0.7761612 or Grid Reference SK8229. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Knipton, All Saints

Dave Kelly

Church of St Botolph and St John the Baptist, Croxton Kerrial

15th C. church restored in 1866-68 by Scott. Has a central tower (although more eastern than central) on diagonal stepped buttresses with 8 pinnacles. North and south aisles with 3 bay arcades and clerestories. The pews date from 1534 when they were donated by Croxton Abbey at the time of dissolution. There are 42 unique pew ends. The organ is by Nicholson of Worcester 1849. There is no stained glass.

Tim Heaton

Croxton Lane leaving Croxton Kerrial

Heading north to Knipton

Tim Heaton

Junction of Croxton Lane and Croxton Lane

The main Croxton Lane goes to Knipton, and the Croxton Lane to the right goes to Harston

Tim Heaton

Track up the side of Croxton Banks wood

The 'bank' is the face of the escarpment of Jurassic limestones and ironstones on which Croxton Kerrial sits

Tim Heaton

Footpath to Croxton Kerrial

The path crosses the wheat field, passes through the edge of Harston Wood, and then onto the top of the escarpment

Tim Heaton

The Manners Arms, Knipton

Pub and restaurant occupying an early 19th century Listed Grade II house. The Manners family hold the Dukedom of Rutland, and are resident at Belvoir Castle. To the disappointment of this parched walker the pub was closed "Due to unforseen [sic] circumstances"

Tim Heaton

Main Street, Knipton

A restored 19th century village pump in the foreground.

Tim Heaton

Branston Lane passing the entrance to Keeper's Cottage

The lane takes Cycle Route 64 past Knipton Reservoir, but views of the reservoir are limited

Tim Heaton

View north-east of Branston

Looking along the route of a bridleway to Croxton Lodge

Tim Heaton

Track up to the A607, west of Croxton Kerrial

During the driest July for over a hundred years, the rare sound of running water. The stream by the side of the path comes from Croxton Kerrial's famous spring-fed water spout SK8328 : Water spout, Croxton Kerrial. The spring emerges at the base of the Lincolnshire Limestone, and the miniature waterfall on the right is formed from tuffa.

Tim Heaton

View over the valley of the River Devon near Croxton Kerrial

Croxton Kerrial sits on the left of the horizon. If the Roman road, the Salt Way, ran as an uninterrupted straight line to the south of Croxton Kerrial (rather than along the line of the current A607 through the village), as is suggested by some sources Link

, it would have been along the line of this view. It would still have had to cross the valley, but possibly with an easier gradient.

Tim Heaton

The A607 east of Lings Hill

Continuing the straight line of the Salt Way in the direction of Croxton Kerrial.

Tim Heaton

Goosey goosey wander

Wonder what the future holds for these geese? Not good! Link

Ian Paterson

The Cottage, Knipton

Knipton is a Belvoir Castle estate village, and this house, distinguished by its elaborate bargeboards, is its most ambitious. Grade II listed. On the right is the war memorial SK8231 : Knipton War Memorial.

Stephen Richards

The end of Baulk pit, Branston

This shows the furthest end of Baulk pit, Branston. This ironstone quarry was started in 1951, and abandoned in 1957. Ore was taken away on the 3 foot gauge Eastwell tramway, for transshipment into standard gauge wagons at Stathern Ironstone Siding on the Melton Mowbray - Bottesford Junction line.

Richard Green

Baulk pit, Branston

A general view of this quarry, abandoned in 1957, near its end. The working face, from which iron ore was about to be extracted, is on the right.

Richard Green

Working face, Baulk pit, Branston

A working face of Baulk pit, Branston, an ironstone quarry abandoned in 1957. The top layer of soil has been removed and put aside for use in restoration, and the ironstone is exposed ready for excavation.

Richard Green

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Bluebell Wood is located at Grid Ref: SK8229 (Lat: 52.858218, Lng: -0.7761612)

Administrative County: Leicestershire

District: Melton

Police Authority: Leicestershire