When their village primary school needed a new swimming pool, John and Carolyn McCutchan opened their ancient oak wood to the public to help fundraise.
That was intended to be just a one-off weekend but now, more than half a century later, the Arlington Bluebell Walk has become a hugely popular annual event, attracting more than 20,000 visitors a year and raising more than £1.1 million for dozens of charities.
East Sussex farmer John, a retired sheep and turkey farmer, who is now 89 and continues to be involved in organising the walks, is preparing for the event’s 53rd year in April.
One-off weekend turned annual event
John McCutchan said: “We never expected our bluebell walks to become what they have become when we started out.
“We only planned to open to the public for one weekend, but we were quickly getting requests from the public to open for a second weekend, then for another year.
“Before long we formed a committee and it spiralled from there.
“I am just so pleased that we have been able to help raise such a lot of money for so many charities, helping them to do the great work they do.”
“I am delighted to see this trust being established to ensure this fundraising continues and future generations can enjoy the Arlington bluebells.”
NFU member John McCutchan
That first Arlington Bluebell Walk was held in 1972 and raised £100 for Park Mead Primary School in Upper Dicker, near Hailsham, where Carolyn was a school governor.
The event has been held annually since then, missing only two years due to restrictions resulting from FMD (Foot-and-mouth disease) and coronavirus.
In memory of Carolyn
Carolyn sadly died of cancer just over six years ago and the fundraising continues in her honour.
John said: “It was Carolyn who first came up with the idea of the bluebell walks in 1972. Everything I do here now is in memory of her.”
A weathervane depicting Carolyn pushing a wheelbarrow of bluebells was made in tribute to her and now proudly stands on the roof of Arlington Village Hall to ensure her memory and her work in establishing the Arlington Bluebell Walk will never be forgotten.
The event raises money through admission fees and visitors enjoy blankets of bluebells while walking the 24 acres of ancient woodland of Beaton’s Wood, at John’s Bates Green Farm, Hill Road, Arlington, near Polegate.
Carolyn McCuthcan, who has the original idea for the Arlington Bluebell Walks, more than half a century ago. Photograph: Marianne Majerus Garden Images.
NFU great supporter
John said the NFU has always been a great supporter of the event.
In 1999, the NFU encouraged farmers to do something to mark the start of a new millennium.
They created Millennium Walk, an avenue of native oak trees leading to Beaton’s Wood.
Former NFU East Sussex Chair Peter Appleton opens his dairy farm to the public creating five farm trails as part of the Arlington Bluebell Walk and John said he is very grateful for this support.
Environmental benefits
As well as admiring the bluebells, visitors learn about the environmental benefits the plants bring.
Bluebells provide a vital food source for insects, bees, butterflies and hoverflies.
Bluebell roots help to stabilise the soil and prevent erosion. They thrive in diverse, shady, and damp conditions, acting as a carpet that protects the woodland floor.
As a protected species in the UK, native bluebells are essential for maintaining the ecological balance, especially against the threat of non-native, invasive Spanish bluebells.
The Arlington bluebells which attract more than 20,000 people every year. Photograph: Pete Goldsmith.
Money raised for dozens of charities
The Arlington Bluebell Walk has raised money for 89 charities over the years, both local causes and branches of national charities.
In co-ordination with John and his team, the charities themselves take responsibility for organising the walks on their designated days, including operating the car park, welcoming visitors, collecting money, providing refreshments and cleaning up.
There are 25 charities taking part this year, including Sussex Cancer Fund, East Sussex Foster Care Association, The Salvation Army, East Sussex Wildlife Rescue, Upper Dicker and Arlington Churches and Village Halls, Sussex Wildlife Trust, Dementia Action Alliance and several Rotary Club branches.
Life dedicated to helping people
John McCutchan, who will be 90 in December, has dedicated his life to helping people.
He was made an MBE 23 years ago in recognition of the Arlington Bluebell Walk as well as his other work including volunteering with Eastbourne and District Samaritans for more than 40 years, serving as an Arlington parish councillor for more than 20 years and working for Hailsham Citizen’s Advice Bureau for several years.
A charitable trust is now being established to safeguard the long-term future of the Arlington Bluebell Walk and the Royal Horticultural Society Partner Garden created by Carolyn.
John said: “I am very proud of what has been achieved here, and I hope to continue to be involved in this for as long as I can.
“I am delighted to see this trust being established to ensure this fundraising continues and future generations can enjoy the Arlington bluebells.”
The Arlington Bluebell Walk will be open daily, between 10am and 3pm, from 3 April to 10 May.
The event takes place at Bates Green Farm, Tye Hill Road, Arlington, East Sussex, BN26 6SH.
For more information, call 01323 485151, email [email protected] or head to the website.
