More than 250 visitors were treated to a magnificent display of woodland bluebells when they supported an annual charity Bluebell Walk at a North Shropshire country estate on Sunday, raising £3,368 for people affected by cancer.

The walk at Soulton Hall, near Wem was timed to perfection to see bluebells at their peak in glorious sprint sunshine. All the money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support to support cancer patients within Shropshire.

The third annual event is organised by Shrewsbury Macmillan Fundraising Group, supported by the Ashton family, who own the estate.

Claimed to be the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’, Bluebell Wood was open to the public for only the third time since this classic comedy was written more than 500 years ago.  

“It was a very successful day with perfect weather and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Gillian Eleftheriou, a Shrewsbury Macmillan Fundraising Group volunteer. “The bluebells were stunning, a blue carpet stretching as far as the eye could see in the wood, beneath the unfurling foliage of the majestic ancient oaks. 

“One visitor commented: ‘There's bluebells and then there's bluebells! Wow’. By midday, as the temperature rose, the scent was amazing, too. Visitors were then able to relax in the sunshine outside Soulton Hall, enjoying refreshments. A day to remember!

“We must thank the Ashton family for generously allowing us to hold this annual event on their estate, which is very much appreciated and everyone who came to support the event.”

Visitors travelled to Soulton Hall from Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ellesmere, Whitchurch, Telford and much further afield. New this year was a Woodland Trail to help children enjoy the natural world around them on their walk. 

Refreshments were provided throughout the day, including pre-ordered afternoon teas and a plant stall, selling garden-worthy, hardy perennials, again proved popular. 

Soulton Manor was purchased in 1556 by Sir Rowland Hill, the first protestant Lord Mayor of London, who remodelled and extended it into the Tudor building seen today It is still occupied by his descendants, the Ashton family. 

Sir Rowland himself is thought to be mentioned in ‘As You Like It’, referred to as Sir Roland de Bois whose sons, Oliver, Jaques and Orlando, are three of the major characters in the play.