Within easy reach of Dunstable, Tring and Berkhamsted is some beautiful woodland and at the right time of year it is filled with a carpet of fragrant bluebells – it is a great location for photographers and families alike. Late April to early May is when they seem to appear and they flower for just a few weeks. So where is this spot?

Here's where to find the bluebells

Click on the map for a bigger version. It’s part of the National Trust land not far from Ringshall on Beacon Road (which continues to Ivinghoe Beacon). The woodland isn’t too big, and there are plenty of places through which light can enter (important for those pictures!). It can get very busy in the day time with lots of families, couples and photographers heading there. I was at the wood last Friday at 7.50am with my two sons, and even at this early hour, there were 3 or 4 other photographers at work.

School boy Portrait

If you are heading to the wood with your family and want an ice cream, then the afternoon is a great time to be there. Across the road from the wood, there’s an area set out as a car park and during busy times, an ice cream van is frequently found attracting a queue of children with parents.

If you are wanting to take any wide angle woodland pictures without people in them. You will need to get there early or late and definitely in the week. Even close up portrait work is much easier when the crowds aren’t present!

Here are a few shots of the wood.

Bluebells

Toddler Portrait