IT’S come to the time of year when some of Essex’s favourite outdoor visitor attractions become swathed in hundreds of snowdrops.
Markshall Estate in Coggeshall, Hedingham Castle and Daws Hall at Lamarsh, are among the venues which open their doors for visitors to admire the carpets of white flowers.
The common snowdrop – galanthus nivalis – is a sure sign that spring is on the way, and is popular among visitors each year.
This year, visitors have already begun to enjoy the flower in all its glory.
Each year, Robin’s Grove at Markshall, near Coggeshall, comes to life with thousands of white snowdrops covering the woodland floor.
Markshall has already opened its doors for visitors to enjoy its snowdrop weekends across February.
The venue said it is expecting thousands of visitors to see the flowers in Robin’s Grove.
Markshall will also be open on Shrove Tuesday, February 21, for pancakes and another opportunity to see the snowdrops.
Open from Friday to Sunday and during the February half term, families can also enjoy the charity’s Minibeast Trail, discovering 20 wooden minibeasts hidden across the grounds.
Elsewhere, Daws Hall Nature Reserve founder Iain Grahame claims they boast one of the “best displays of snowdrops in East Anglia”.
Guests enjoyed walks through the reserve, admiring the snowdrops on site.
The first snowdrop day at Daws Hall was at the end of January, and there is still time to enjoy the event.
Guests can visit Daws Hall and its snowdrops on the next two Sundays, February 12 and 19.
Suggested donations are £7 for adults. Parking is free and dogs are not allowed.
Hedingham Castle is also inviting guests to enjoy its snowdrop displays.
The historic venue is showing off the display until Sunday, February 26.
Among the bulbs are other flowers to enjoy, such as aconites, perfect for nature-lovers.
For more information or tickets for any of the snowdrop days, visit markshall.org.uk, dawshallnature.co.uk, or hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events.
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