Bluebells

Bluebells are also called Hyacinthoids non- scripta and are particularly associated with ancient woodland. It is a protected species under UK Law, and under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is a criminal offence to remove the bulbs of wild bluebells, this legislation was strengthened in 1998 making trade in wild bluebell bulbs or seeds an offence punishable by fines of up to £5,000. per tub.

 A related Spanish species has been introduced to produce intermediate versions. The Spanish bluebells have blue to greenish pollen as opposed to the creamy-white pollen of the native bluebell. The Spanish bluebells have been considered a threat to our native variety due to the species becoming diluted with inter- breeding

 The bulbs were used in some folk medicine and the sap was be used as an adhesive in Bronze age times for fixing feathers to arrows and later for fixing the pages of books to the spine also in Elizabethan times bulbs were crushed to make starch for ruffs on collars and sleeves.

 Woodland areas are just amazing when carpeted with these beautiful flowers. They flower from April to Mid-May and have up to 20 flower bells on each stalk, they are sweetly scented  bluebell woods are often associated in folklore with fairy enchantment. If you get the chance to visit you will see the link to show where these wonderful woodlands are near you. There are over a thousand areas in the UK where they may be found.

Bluebell woods near you www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/bluebell-woods-near-you.