Save our bluebells

Saturday, 16 April 2011 16:59

The first sign of spring is the bluebells in our woods. I was surprised to learn that our native bluebell is under threat. Now I know about rogue rhododendrons, field poppies and cornflowers even about the greedy Japanese knot weed.

Now our beloved spring bluebell is disappearing.

Have a good look next time you see some .......

As we cruise we often spot carpets of bluebells from our narrowboat. I have a number of photos of bluebells and bluebell woods, but is the one above a true "blue"?

Sadly - as it is a rather lovely photo - the answer is no, although I did not know it at the time. I photographed it on the canal towpath at Middlewich in April 2009. It is a Spanish bluebell - an invader. It is popular with gardeners as it is easier to grow and even masquerades as British bluebell bulbs in garden centres.

Native British bluebell - spot the difference?

The invader has "escaped" into our woodlands and is now hybridising with our native one. The British bluebell will disappear within a few generations of growth.

Bluebell Wood at Church Minshull in May 2010 - native species

Take a close look at these, taken at the Long Alley almshouses in Abingdon - Spanish or British? This is the photo that set me thinking about bluebells!

So, watch where you put your feet, do not trample our bluebell. Please leave them for other people to enjoy whether it be from boats, the towpath or in the woods.

Bluebells at Dunham Massey

The Natural History Museum has an on-line survey of bluebells if anyone wants to take part - clicktey click