Britain is home to a stunning, hidden rainforest—a natural gem that remains largely undiscovered by tourists. Home to many beautiful cuckoos, redstarts,and ring ouzels, Emsworthy Mire in Devon is a place worth visiting. The rainforest glow deep purple every May-June as thousands of bluebells flower.

Emsworthy Mire, managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust since 2012, is nestled in a sloping valley featuring the remnants of an abandoned moorland farm dating back to 1870—a site thought to have been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Rainforest sites like Wistman's Wood and Emsworthy Mire are not only uncommon but also modest in size.

Striking ruins lie beside the repurposed barn at Emsworthy, gracefully encircled by trees and enclosed by sturdy granite walls. Eric Hemery (1983) notes that the farm was known as "Aylemesworthy" in 1397 and later as "Omsworthye" in 1560.

One of the tourists wrote on Google reviews: “Fantastic place for a walk, especially during bluebell season. It is great out of season as well too just less blue.

“This is a lovely place for dogs as well. When you get to the boggy part, bring your wellies or else you will be up to your knees in water and mud. Well worth exploring for the dragonflies, though.”

Rob Stoneman, director of landscape recovery at The Wildlife Trusts, told The Telegraph: "Our temperate rainforests have this incredible lower plant flora, the lichens, ferns and mosses – you have hundreds and hundreds.

"Some of the richest diversity in northern Europe is in our temperate rainforest, and there’s hardly any left. We chopped the vast majority down, we’ve been chopping it for thousands of years."

Another one wrote: “Not far from Ashburton. Emsworthy Mire is a great walk for beginners and is anature reserve. The views are stunning and it is relatively sheltered. 

“We were there in mid-May when the Bluebells were out. What an incredible sight. If you are into bird watching, it's great. In the summer, loads of cuckoos, wheatear, and stonechat, etc. It's actually my favourite place on the moors.”

A third one wrote: “Stunning display of bluebells, great walking, and the scenery is amazing. So peaceful once you get away from the popular areas, didn't want to leave.”