More than 21,000 visitors have helped the 2026 Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trails to a record-breaking 53rd year.
Owner John McCutchan calls it ‘an exceptional year’ with a staggering £109,054 raised for 26 local charities.
That means the total raised since 1972 amounts to £1,278,419.
John says: “There was light drizzle on Good Friday when we opened, but then every day was dry and general sunny.
“The waiting list of other charities wanting to participate grows year on year, so it’s always a balancing act to choose which participating charities have sufficient volunteers, to ensure our visitors in whatever numbers, have a good experience when they visit.”
Some highlights:
- Arlington Church Plant Stall was open every day and raised a record breaking £9,848
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Eastbourne AM Rotary Club raised the highest amount ever over a weekend £10,294
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Two charities who moved from one day to two days were Children with Cancer Fund £6,233 and Children’s Respite Trust £6,342.
Arlington Village has now benefited by £323,020 to support St Pancras, the ancient Village Church, and the Village Hall, which displays its weathervane depicting John’s late wife Carolyn pushing a wheelbarrow through the bluebells.
It was Carolyn who came up with the initial idea to hold a Bluebell Walk.
John said: “The introduction of different makes of Classic Cars on Sundays was an innovative idea, so with some tweaks may be continued next year. The introduction of the two person mobility scooter has been successful, plus with an additional 24 individual scooters, word is getting around that those who have impaired mobility, can also enjoy our walk.
“The planning for 2027 has already started with a list of improvements to enhance the visitor experience, but what we can’t anticipate are when the bluebells will look their best, as each year it gets earlier, so to choose the dates for next year is just a gamble!”
It has been a remarkable 2026 for John – he recently received Ther Times Sternberg Active Life Award at 11 Downing Street.
John said: “A big thank you to everyone who has made it such a marvellous, successful and enjoyable year.”
