A NOTABLE highlight of spring has to be when the bluebells bloom, covering woodlands in carpets of blue.

Although bluebells are most often found in ancient wooded areas, they also grow along hedgerows, and in fields and gardens.

And amazingly, more than half of the world's bluebells are found here in the UK.

They are protected under the Countryside Act (1981), which means it is illegal to wilfully damage them – so people must stick to the paths and take care not to trample on them.

Now is the perfect time to enjoy a tranquil bluebell walk before their short-lived season ends later this month.

Here are some of the places to head for over the next few weeks:

Cam Peak

Westonbirt Arboretum

Painswick Rococo Gardens

Frith Wood Nature Reserve, Bussage, Stroud

Siccaridge Wood, Stroud

Woodchester Park

Standish Woods, Stroud