Bluebell Walk raises £29,000 for NSPCC Northern Ireland
The bluebell season is short and fleeting but perhaps that is one of the things that makes these lovely flowers so precious and loved by many. The beautiful deep blue flowers, with their sweet and unique scent, draw crowds to woodlands every year and give pleasure to everyone who sees them.
They feature in many stories and poems and in folklore, are sometimes known as "fairy flowers". Both Emily Bronte and Anne Bronte were full of praise for these iconic flowers and in Anne Bronte's poem, “The Bluebell”, she observed:
" There is a silent eloquence,
In every wild bluebell,
That fills my softened heart with bliss
That words could never tell.”
Another group of people equally full of admiration for these iconic flowers is the NSPCC's Omagh and District Committee. This long-established and hard-working group spotted the potential to raise funds, courtesy of the humble bluebell, as far back as 2012 when they held their first Bluebell Walk at Baronscourt Estate.
The late, Lady Moyra Campbell (who was a trustee of the NSPCC) was one of the founding members of the NSPCC Omagh fundraising Committee and it is through her that the committee formed a connection with Baronscourt Estate.
Lady Moyra’s father was the Marquess of Hamilton, later 4th Duke of Abercorn and Baronscourt has been home to his family since 1612.
The estate, situated in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, is in an area of outstanding natural beauty and, every spring, is host to many wonderful flowers, including bluebells. Baronscourt is not usually open to the public, so the NSPCC's annual Bluebell Walk is a wonderful way for people to see the beautiful grounds and appreciate the carpet of bluebells in the woods, all while raising funds to help children in Northern Ireland.
Organised by the NSPCC Omagh and District Committee, the very first Bluebell Walk was held in May 2012 and was called the Baronscourt walk - it was an immediate success and raised £590. The event has continued to run ever since, apart from a few years due to Covid.
This year’s Walk raised over £5,300 and the total raised since the walk began, is an utterly amazing £29,000 – all of which has been donated to NSPCC Northern Ireland.
The 2026 Bluebell Walk, which took place recently, was bigger and better than ever with around 560 people coming along to enjoy a truly special day on the estate. The sun shone all day, and the event ran from 2-9.30pm, allowing people to come after work if they couldn’t attend during the afternoon. A two and half mile route was marked out to allow visitors to get the most of the estate, but it was also possible to go straight to the bluebells for a shorter visit and still have time for a delicious afternoon tea. The famous tea, prepared by committee members, is an integral part of the day and is always a highlight. This year, the committee also introduced a jam jar raffle with gardening themed prizes and this proved very popular and a great way to raise more funds.
Carol Simpson, chairperson of NSPCC’s Omagh and District Committee, said: "Our most successful Bluebell walk held at Baronscourt, is testament to the sterling work, dedication and teamwork of our local fundraising group. The massive public support demonstrates our presence for this worthy charity in the local community.
An immense thank you to all for their generosity and support.”
Susan Smith, NSPCC Supporter Relationship Fundraiser, said: "We are so grateful to the NSPCC Omagh and District Committee for hosting another hugely successful Bluebell Walk. To have raised £5,300 this year and a total of over £29,000 since the walk began is utterly fantastic and is testament to the committee's hard work and dedication.
"Thanks to the committee's ongoing support, we can continue to help children and families across Northern Ireland with our vital work."