Marlborough & District Lions Club have very reluctantly had to cancel the annual ‘Bluebells at West Woods’. The Forestry Commission won’t allow the gates to be open for cars due to the risk of damage to the forest’s tracks.
The recent wet weather has made the ground very soft and the tracks uneven and unsuitable for cars.
The bluebells will still be there and can be visited on foot as the West Woods car parks will still be open as normal, accessed either from the Clatford-Pewsey road or from Lockeridge. The Wood’s famous glorious bluebell carpets extend almost to the car parks so visitors wishing to take in this fantastic sight won’t have too far walk.
The Lions issued the following statement:
Regretfully, the Forestry are unable to grant permission for Marlborough Lions for Bluebell Drives in West Woods this year. Unfortunately, due to the risk of damage to public vehicles from the uneven road, we cannot open the forest gates for the Bluebell Drive this year.
Marlborough & District Lions Club apologise for any inconvenience this may cause as we know that there are many people who look forward to this every year. We hope to be able to put it on again next year.
This is the first time for many years that the Lions haven’t been able to offer this treat but unless weather conditions are similar in future the gates will open as normal for the traditional Bluebell Drive weekends.