OVER half the world’s population of bluebells grow in the UK. 

In Essex, bluebells adorn the woods from April and bloom in a miraculous display of blue and violet carpets, replacing the yellows of daffodils that came before them.

Essex Wildlife Trust are encouraging people to stick to marked pathways and be mindful of where they walk, to ensure the spectacle of these delicate, bell-shaped flowers can continue for many generations to come.

Bluebells take between five and seven years to get established, so even minor damage can have a long-lasting impact.

Essex Wildlife Trust have shared the top nature reserves for bluebell displays in Essex: 

1. Pound Wood nature reserve in Thundersley: 

One of the largest remaining areas of ancient woodland in south Essex, this nature reserve is an important part of the Daws Heath Living Landscape.

This once-neglected wood is now managed to improve the nature reserve for wildlife, with wonderful displays of bluebells. Walk between the adjacent Tile Wood and Little Haven nature reserves and then pop into the nearby Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre for tea and cake.

2. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre in Billericay:

Have a day out with the family where you can follow "The Wind in the Willows" trail through the woodland whilst admiring the wonderful display of bluebells.

Afterwards, relax in the Nature Discovery Centre where you can enjoy panoramic views of the reservoir.

3. Shut Heath Wood nature reserve in Great Totham: 

Enjoy some peace and relaxation at this quiet nature reserve located just below the crest of the Great Totham Ridge. The woodland is entirely carpeted in bluebells and other spring flowers such as cuckoo flower, primrose, dog violet and bugle.

4. Weeleyhall Wood nature reserve in Weeley: 

This nature reserve is one of the finest surviving woods in the Tendring area, with bluebells and yellow archangel covering half of the woodland in a sea of colours.