Bluebells, Paths & Photographs in South Wales: How to Enjoy Spring Without Squashing the Magic

By Adele Morris, Specialist Family & Newborn Photographer in South Wales

Every spring, just as the air turns soft and the trees stretch out their sleepy branches, something quietly spectacular happens in our South Wales woodlands: the bluebells bloom.

A sea of violet-blue rolls out under the canopy like nature’s own red carpet, only much more delicate, and far more magical. It’s the kind of sight that stops you in your tracks. And every year, just like clockwork, I get a flurry of excited messages:

“Are you doing bluebell photoshoots this year?”

Yes, yes, I am. But only four.

Just four?! Why so few?

Because bluebells aren’t just beautiful, they’re precious. In fact, almost half of the world’s bluebell population is found right here in the UK. That makes our local woodlands not just a treasure for South Wales families, but an internationally important habitat worth protecting.

As a South Wales photographer, I’m lucky enough to shoot in some of the most enchanting woodlands around Porthcawl, Bridgend, and the Vale. But with that privilege comes responsibility.

Bluebells take 5 to 7 years to grow from seed to flower. Once established, their colonies can live for decades, but only if left undisturbed. A single footstep can crush the leaves that feed the bulb, which means fewer flowers next year. Over time, even well-meaning visitors can permanently damage an entire patch.

Picking them?

Also a no-no. It’s actually a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to uproot wild bluebells.

That’s why I only run four bluebell photography sessions in South Wales each year, and why I stick to the paths like a woman on a mission. Every session I offer is planned with care, respect, and creativity, so we can enjoy the bluebells without disturbing them.

The secret sauce? Photoshop.

During your session, you’ll appear to be sitting right in the heart of the blooms, but really, we’ve never left the path. It’s all about perspective and a touch of digital magic. That way, your photos look enchanting, the bluebells stay safe, and everyone wins.

A little story from the heart…

The very first time I visited this particular bluebell wood, I was about five. I remember my mum holding my hand and saying, “Don’t step off the path, Adele, the flowers are sleeping.” It’s funny how things stick with you. That moment is still with me now, only I’m the mum, holding my children’s hands and telling them the same thing.

These woods aren’t just where I take pictures, they’re part of my story. So when I say I want to protect them, I mean it.

Why bluebells are extra special…

• Bluebells are often a sign of ancient woodland, places that have been wooded continuously since at least 1600.

• They’re one of the first signs that spring has truly arrived.

• Their colour isn’t just pretty, they’re rich in nectar, making them vital for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.

• And their scent? Heavenly. It’s been described as a mix of honey and green tea. If a flower could bottle nostalgia, it’d be the bluebell.

What’s included in a Bluebell Photoshoot in South Wales?

• I offer just four exclusive bluebell family sessions in South Wales each year, usually around late April to early May.

• Each session lasts 30–40 minutes and is completely child-led.

• I’ll help you plan outfits in advance that complement the soft, natural tones of the setting.

• And 2–3 weeks later, you’ll receive a beautifully edited gallery full of keepsake images—without a single trampled flower in sight.

How can you book?

Easy—head to my contact page, fill in the form, and I’ll send you all the booking details.

What do you need to bring?

Just your lovely selves and maybe a snack or two to keep the little ones smiling. I’ll handle the rest.

Looking for a family photographer in South Wales this spring?

Whether you’re booking a bluebell shoot or something else entirely, I’d love to help you capture your story in a way that feels safe, relaxed, and real. With over 10 years of experience working with families across Bridgend, Porthcawl, and the South Wales coast, I know how to make sessions enjoyable for kids (and grownups!) of all ages.

One last gentle nudge…

If you’re out and about exploring bluebell woods on your own this spring, please stick to the paths. Encourage your children to enjoy the magic from the edges. Snap your photos carefully, avoid sitting or standing among the flowers, and never pick them.

The beauty of the bluebell is in how fleeting, fragile, and rare it is. Let’s make sure these woods are still blooming for generations to come.

See you in the woods—on the path, of course.

Adele x

Specialist newborn, maternity & family photographer – Porthcawl & South Wales