Are Your Bluebells Native?
A few woodland areas in the UK will soon be carpeted in blue from the end of April to Mid May.
Bluebell wood at Muncaster Castle
Our native British Bluebell is considered an endangered species and as such cannot be picked or uprooted from the wild. Even the seed cannot be gathered without the consent of Natural England.
The Natural History Museum state:
"In recent years there has been growing concern that our native species is under threat by breeding with the cultivated bluebell. Hybridisation can alter a plant species’ genetic makeup and may result in a reduced ability to survive.
Until recently, this popular theory has been supported by little evidence, and the true status of bluebells in the UK and Ireland may be more complex. Further study is needed to find out if the native bluebell is really under threat."
You can help take part in this study by logging onto to Natural History Museum Website and recording your bluebell findings.
An article in the April issue of Country Living magazine focuses on a couple who have become two of the first people in England to be granted permission to gather bluebell seeds from their farm woodland in Kent. Barry and Karin of Farnell Farm carefully collect, preserve and sell their bluebell seed so that others can enjoy the beauty of this beautiful flower.
Thanks to their hard work and that of others, it is now easier to raise your own native bluebells from seed.
Places to see Bluebell woods:
- Muncaster Castle, Cumbria.
- High Hall Nurseries, Westward, nr Wigton, Cumbria.
- Arlington Bluebell walk and farm trail. East Sussex.
- Rode Hall. Cheshire
- Bluebell Woods in the Chilterns.
You may also be interested in:
BBC article and video
Offwell Woodland & Wildlife Trust. Feature and picture gallery.
Central Scotland Forest Trust. Atricle about bluebells under threat
To grow your own native British Bluebells, bulbs and seed can be obtained from the following suppliers;
Farnell Farm - Native Bluebell seeds for your garden or woodland. Ideal for cultivating large areas.
The Wild Flower Shop - Specialists in naive British plants.
Nicky's Nursery - Native British Bluebell wild flower seeds.
