Deep in the countryside, where the South Downs meet the Sussex Weald …

… scrambling through the hawthorn hedge, about to burst into bloom …

… is a secret place. 

Let’s go in … 

This woodland is so ancient, it’s carpeted with stars. 

Close up, the wood anemones’ petals flutter in the breeze – no wonder they’re nicknamed windflowers. 

Celandines nestle in the arms of a mossy sycamore, pollarded decades ago. 

Ladies’ smock is such a tender flower. It’s my favourite. 

But today, I’m here to see another show. 

Primroses peep through the woodland floor …

The main event, though, is pretty stunning. 

They’re early again this year … 

… and the sea of blue isn’t quite in full flow … 

… but keep exploring (up this close you can see their stripes) … 

… and you’ll get to one of my favourite places in the world. 

The ancient beech tree on the right is an old friend from summers long ago. 

He’s majestic in June, but right now, it’s the bluebells who are centre stage. 

Will you go down to the woods this weekend? 

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