Lodge Hill Bluebells, at Yoxall, Staffordshire, opens in April and will offer bluebell walking trails through 20 acres of mature woodland, a pop-up café, lawn games and plenty of space for families to enjoy time together. It's the latest business to sign up to The National Forest's 'forestlife' campaign.
'Forestlife' is an expression of all the good things to do and see throughout the 200 square miles of the Forest, and what better evocation of woodlands in springtime than a beautiful bluebell wood with its heady scent and carpet of blue?
Dave Garner, of Lodge Hill Bluebells, said: “My wife and I are really excited and proud to be opening up this piece of ancient woodland that was once part of the Needwood forest. We've worked very hard to create a place where the public can enjoy the stunning beauty of rural East Staffordshire, our carpets of bluebells and a slice of delicious cake. Working with The National Forest and the 'forestlife' campaign has further inspired our journey to deliver an amazing day out in the woods for everyone.”
Richard Drakeley, Tourism Development Manager for the National Forest Company, said: “'Forestlife' is a way of capturing the personality of the Forest, this special woodland place. It's about connecting with the landscape and with each other, to discover great places to walk and enjoy different activities. We're encouraging businesses who share this ethos to sign up with us and be part of our 'forestlife' campaign, marketing the Forest as a destination for people locally and nationally to enjoy. Lodge Hill Bluebells is a perfect example of this and we're delighted to welcome them on board.”
Dave and his wife Charlotte have further plans for this attractive corner of The National Forest. In addition to the bluebell woods that provide a wonderful celebration of spring, the couple have created Field & Forest Weddings. This unique wedding venue provides couples with a beautiful natural setting to design their day around a woodland wedding ceremony and Tipi or vintage-style marquee reception.
