Arlington Bluebell Walk & Bates Green Garden
Welcome to the Arlington Bluebell Walk and Garden
Since 1972 the Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail has developed into seven interesting walks over three working farms involving local charities.
One walk of 2/3 mile (1100 meters) through Beatons Wood has been made suitable for wheelchair users. This is where you see white anemones followed by the vistas of bluebells, established over centuries. On this walk there are seats for you to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this oak and hornbeam wood. Along the walks there are signs illustrating the flora and fauna of the countryside for your information.
At neighbouring Parkwood Farm, milking of the large dairy herd can be seen from a special viewing gallery every afternoon between 3:00pm and 5:00pm. To get there involves a walk of about 1.5 miles, and you will have to walk back!
Update: We regret that due to substantial building works being carried out at Parkwood farm, access to view the cows and milking will not be possible during the 2024 bluebell walk season. We hope that visitors will be able to view the new facilities and milking parlour again in 2025.
At Primrose Farm there is a horse livery, also this is where the young cattle are reared.
We have pens of Kerry Hill ewes and lambs, and female pygmy goats with their kids, for the children to see close up. Please ensure children wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap at the adjoining sink if they do stroke any of the animals.
The Bluebell Walk is managed by John McCutchan with the support of The Bluebell Walk Advisory Group, comprising of members of his family and others committed to ensuring that the Arlington Bluebell Walk continues to raise money for local charities. It could not operate without the participation of the many local charities, who welcome our visitors and offer them delicious refreshments every day we are open.
Bates Green Garden
Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968. The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814. The 5.5-acre Wildflower Meadow with its mown paths and seating allows visitors to relax and observe the diversity of flora and fauna, and take in the views of the South Downs.
The soil is neutral pH heavy Weald clay.
This garden is most easily described as an English Garden planted in a naturalistic style. It sits comfortably within its rural surroundings and visitors can also explore the 24-acre ancient oak wood (outside bluebell season when the wood hosts the yearly Arlington Bluebell Walk).
Carolyn was an acclaimed Plantswoman and her garden has featured in publications such as The English Garden (March 2024), The Sunday Telegraph, Homes & Gardens, and Homes & Antiques to name but a few. Bates Green Garden attracted visitors from all around the globe and was annually opened for the NGS and various horticultural societies and groups.
