Bluebells

Our natural environment has wealth of woodland rich in bluebells. The best time to enjoy the displays is between late April and late May.

Woodland Walks

Set within ancient woodlands they are an aspect of our heritage and we have to ensure there is a balance between protection and enjoyment.

Walking on recognised and permissible footpaths through woodland can be a most enjoyable and enriching experience.

Please keep to the pathways as bluebells can take years to recover from footfall damage. If a bluebell’s leaves are crushed, they die back from lack of food as the leaves cannot photosynthesise.

Bluebells

The common bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) has many names: English bluebell, wild hyacinth, wood bell, bell bottle, Cuckoo’s Boots, Wood Hyacinth, Lady’s Nightcap and Witches’ Thimbles.

Bluebell colonies will take a long time to establish. Typically, when grown from seed it will take around 5 to 7 years before they flower.

We are privileged as our woodlands host the English bluebell, not the Spanish version which is a more vigorous plant and could out-compete the delicate native flower.

Legal Protection

Landowners are prohibited from removing common bluebells on their land.

It is a criminal offence to pick, uproot, destroy or sell the bulbs of wild wild common bluebells with a heavy financial fine per bulb; they are protected under legislation.

Did you know that almost half the world’s bluebells are found in the UK?

Enjoy our virtual woodland walk

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