Special Bluebell Walk being held in Newtownstewart next week

NSPCC Northern Ireland’s annual fundraising Bluebell Walk at Baronscourt Estate will take place next Tuesday.

Organised by the NSPCC Omagh and District Committee, the first Bluebell Walk was held in May 2013 and since then has raised thousands of pounds to support the vital work of the charity in Northern Ireland.

The event didn’t take place last year but is marking its return in 2025 by honouring the memory of the late Margaret Mitchell, BEM, who was NSPCC’s divisional vice president in Northern Ireland and chair of NSPCC’s Omagh and District Committee.

Situated in the foothills of the Sperrin mountains, Baronscourt Estate sits within an area of outstanding natural beauty and in spring is host to magnificent displays of flowers including bluebells also known as ‘fairy flowers’, ‘witches’ thimbles’ and ‘cuckoo’s boots’.

Baronscourt is not normally open to the public, so the NSPCC’s annual Bluebell Walk is a perfect way for people to enjoy the stunning grounds and these charming flowers while raising vital funds to help children in Northern Ireland.

Current chair of the Omagh Committee, Carol Simpson, said, “Margaret Mitchell has been such a driving force behind NSPCC fundraising in the Omagh Branch over the years, that the present committee felt that it was very important to hold this year’s Bluebell Walk in her memory.

“Since 2013, the event has gone from strength to strength with the number of participants increasing every year. At the last walk almost 600 people took part and hopefully there will be even more this year.

“All monies raised stay in Northern Ireland are used to help fund the charity’s vital services, including Childline.

“We are incredibly grateful to Baronscourt Estate for allowing us to hold this event. Their continuing support and assistance with our fundraising efforts is invaluable.”

For a suggested minimum donation of £5, you can take part anytime from 2-9pm on Tuesday, May 13 (last walk 7.30pm) and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the beautiful estate and sparkling lake before enjoying complimentary tea/coffee and a traybake at the end.

However, unfortunately no pets are permitted.