The first day of Spring, 20th March, how we have looked forward to it during the long dark winter months. One of the first flowers to burst through the harsh earth to produce its green leaves is the bluebell. We take it for granted that every year it will appear and we are grateful to take woodland walks to marvel at the proliferation of this delightful plant. Here are some surprising facts about this most humble flower.
Bluebells are believed to have appeared in Britain shortly after the last Ice Age, serving as remnants of the ancient wildwood that once covered the land.
Britain is home to up to 49% of the world’s population of bluebells, making these flowers a quintessential part of the country’s natural heritage. However, as with much of nature, they are under threat.
Bluebells are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to pick, uproot, or destroy them, with further regulations to prevent bulb uprooting. This was largely driven by illicit activity to stock some of the nations garden centres.
Bluebells can take years to recover after footfall damage. If a bluebell’s leaves are crushed, they die back from lack of food because they can no longer photosynthesise.
If you plant bluebells in your garden, make sure you’re planting the English bluebell, not the Spanish version. The Spanish species is a more vigorous plant and could outcompete the UK’s native flower.
If you have been inspired to feast your eyes on a woodland floor of bluebells click on the links below to find out the best places to see them.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/countryside-woodland/best-places-to-see-bluebells?type=place
