It’s been two weeks since we created a buzz with the announcement of our charity partnership with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. We’ve been so overwhelmed by the love and support we’ve received since then, and are so pleased to be creeping ever-closer to our goal of raising £15,000 and planting a hectare of bumblebee-friendly wildflower seeds across London.
To celebrate, we’ve rounded up five of the UK’s most beautiful wildflower walks - in the hope that we can inspire some weekend adventures and mindful moments. There truly is no better setting to take a deep breath and appreciate all that nature brings to our lives. Spanning South Wales to Norfolk, Scotland and beyond, here are our top picks for beautiful wildflower meadows to visit in the UK.
Explore our collection of bumblebee and wildflower-adorned accessories and homewares here.
Pensthorpe Wildflower Gardens, Norfolk
While Norfolk may be better known for its sweeping beachy landscapes and golden sand dunes, the county also happens to be home to one of the UK’s prettiest wildflower meadows. Located in Pensthorpe Natural Park in the floodplain of the River Wensum, this traditionally managed wildflower meadow is abuzz with bees, dragonflies and butterflies. With a boardwalk to mosey along, the trek will see you winding through 80 species of grasses and wildflowers. And if you time your visit between April and May? You may be lucky enough to stumble upon the Bluebell Wood, a wonderland of delicate floral forms.
Cae Eglwys, Brecon
Carefully maintained by the Brecknock Wildlife Trust, Cae Eglwys is a stunning nature reserve located a short drive from Brecon. Amongst the intensively managed farmland that can be seen across much of Wales, this secret paradise shows off traditional wildflowers at their very best - untouched and thriving with local wildlife. Expect to see a rainbow of colours, with plants such as knapweed, harebell and fleabane taking centre stage.
Clattinger Farm Nature Reserve, Wiltshire
Located a stone’s throw away from Marmsbury, Clattinger Farm Nature Reserve is a rural idyll, packed full of colourful life whatever time of year you choose to visit. From the delicate snake’s head fritillary in April to the explosion of orchids and rich purple meadow saffron in the summer, it’s the perfect place to spot busy bumblebees and delicate dragonflies - with barn owls and bats swooping above as dusk falls.
Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre, Grangemouth
One of our top picks for wildflower meadows to visit in Scotland is the Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre. The volunteers here work tirelessly to keep their magnificent meadow thriving, using traditional techniques to help seeds to spread and grow year after year. The landscape is home to over 30 types of wildflowers, including four species of colourful orchids. Hedgehogs, foxes and rabbits also call the centre home, and can often be seen darting across the meadow.
Highgrove Estate, Gloucestershire
While the preened and pruned gardens of Highgrove Estate may not first spring to mind when thinking of wild meadows, Prince Charles’ famous green paradise is in fact home to its very own wildflower field, spanning four acres and home to over 70 varieties of plants. From spring onwards you can expect to see beautiful blooms carpeting the floor, with lilies and daffodils lining the pathways, and fruit-laden trees hanging above. Known to be a favourite spot of a young Prince William and Harry, you may even spot a member of royalty during your wildflower wanders…
If you’re not able to escape to one of the plant paradises, you can easily create your very own bee haven at home. Every purchase from the Conservation Collection: Brave Bumblebees and British Blooms come with a packet of wildflower seeds which you can plant in your garden, local park or window box.