It is bluebell season, this iconic flower definitely marks the beginning of warmer weather to come and is an indicator species of ancient woodland. Ancient woodlands are defined by the UK government as a continuously wooded area since at least 1600AD
Our native bluebells are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Our native bluebells are very fragile and if trampled or disturbed they find it hard to recover. Please be aware of this if you are wanting to enjoy bluebells in your local area, be mindful to keep to the paths to protect this beautiful flower and its habitat.
Common names that are associated with these native flowers are; bluebell, English bluebell, British bluebell, English harebell, wild hyacinth, cuckoo’s boots, witches’ thimbles, lady’s nightcap and fairy flowers.
English bluebells are not hard to distinguish from their foreign counterparts - our delicate bluebell flowers will droop to one side of its stem and have deep violet blue flowers which grow from middle of the stem they will have creamy white pollen inside. Spanish and Hybrid bluebells will grow more upright with flowers all around the stem.
Butterflies, bees and hoverflies all benefit from these early pollinating flowers.
English bluebells are under threat from habitat loss and hybridisation with non-native bluebells, they can take up to five years to establish as they are very slow growers!
Enjoy them while you can as the bluebell only flowers from mid April - May, whilst being very careful not to disturb them as you do.
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