Bluebell Woods

One of the joys of the longer days and mild evenings to be able to escape after school for a walk. We started doing this again in the Easter holidays and with a sunny Friday evening we were off again. Our nature search was focused on one thing – bluebells. I had seen a few in bloom in front gardens but we knew where to see a more impressive display.

Granted we were probably still a little early for the full bluebell experience but it was still pretty impressive. Under the trees, such as silver birch, beech and oak, which populate this ancient woodland the bluebells carpet the once bare floor.

One of problems facing bluebells in the UK is the introduction of the more dominant Spanish bluebell Hyacinthoides hispanica. This variety started off being planted in domestic gardens but being bigger than the native variety it soon started to push its way into woodlands. The colour of this type of bluebell isn't the stunning cobalt blue and lacks the scent of the traditional English bluebell.

The native bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta can be distinguished from the Spanish bluebell by the fact that the flowers usually are on one side of the stem causing the bluebell to bend over. However the hybrid Hyacinthoides x massartiana has now started to appear. The distinctive bell-shaped flowers are still there but they are all placed all over the stem.

In mythology bluebells are associated with fairies. A ringing of one of the little bells could summon the fairies together but any humans hearing the bells would die or fall under their enchantment. If you wear a garland of bluebells you will be compelled to tell the truth. On a far nicer note if you are able to turn a bluebell flower inside out without damaging it you will dream of your true love. I can't guarantee though that you will actually end up with them. Where do these fairies resided when they are not patrolling the woods? Perhaps take a walk up the path and see if you can find them.

 Nature Notes at Rambling Woods