ALL ABOARD THE MAGIC CARPET of bluebell wonder 

Entering the cool beech woods, the early morning sun trickles gently across the woodland floor. The carpet of blue seems to emerge from the green undergrowth so gently you cannot tell where it starts, but it is there, and I let out a little squeak of excitement.

The light blue haze at the edge of the wood is just the tip of the purply blue iceberg that I start to explore. Choosing which path to follow offers a conundrum; the chance I might miss out on a patch of blue that is more intense than another. I need not worry, though. Every path offers a unique experience as I wander the woodland undulations in my little blue bubble of wonderment.

In the UK, if you look, you can find bluebell woodlands. However, in the Netherlands, they don’t seem to exist in the same way. I assume the woodland area is too managed to allow the bluebells to establish themselves. So, when I found out about the Hallerbos in Belgium (just a ‘short’ three-hour drive away!!!), I decided that a pilgrimage to photograph the blue beauties should be added to my bucket list.

It only took ten years to make it happen, but as with many things, the stars just needed to align, and lady luck shone down on me. Among the trees, in the woods, is my happy photographic place. And so, making this set of images was an absolute joy. Choosing which images to share with you was the challenge. I did make as many traditional sharp images as ICM images but have decided to feature the ICM images to accentuate the softness, light, and gentle beauty of my experience of riding the magic carpet of bluebell wonder. I hope the photos offer you a glimpse into the wonder and joy I felt as I made them.