If you go down to the woods today....

As we approach the middle of April, this can only mean one thing in the wildflower world here in the UK, Bluebell season. Bluebell season generally runs from mid-April to late May and the annual spectacle of purple swathes of this beautiful flower is a sight to behold. However, something sinister is lurking in our woodlands and threatening our native Bluebells, an alien imposter.

The Spanish Bluebell was introduced to the UK as a garden plant in the late 17th century and like many non-native species, these can become a threat to our native species, as is the case with the Spanish Bluebell.

The non-native species is a much bigger and more vigorous plant and can out compete our own species for light and space. The plant is also known to hybridise with our native species. Any gardeners who have Spanish Bluebells in their gardens should ensure, should they wish to retain them in their gardens, that when cutting plants back, they dispose of cuttings and bulbs very carefully. A recent study found that one in six of our native woodlands contained hybrids or Spanish Bluebells.

​Bluebells, woodland on the banks of the Aire, approaching Severn Arches	​Approaching Severn Arches again

​Spanish Bluebell (pink form) Knoll Wood, Baildon	​Hybrid Bluebell

You may be wondering how you can tell the difference between our native plants and the introduced species. Our beloved Bluebells are quite delicate with drooping stems, the tubular violet flowers only appear on one side of the stem, they have a sweet scent and creamy-coloured pollen inside. The Spanish variety do not droop with stems being upright, flowers appear all around the stem, there is no scent and the pollen inside is blue or pale green. Flowers may be pale or even pink or white.

So, take time to study this plant next time you come across you ensure that you are actually looking at the genuine article. Don’t be tempted to pick the plants, leave for others and the insects to enjoy. It is not illegal to pick but it is to dig up the plant or bulb, but still, let’s leave them be to flourish in their short-lived splendour.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The UK has almost half of the world's population of Bluebells.

• They belong to the Hyacinth family (Latin name Hyacinthoides non-scripta).

• The sap from Bluebells was used in days gone by to bind books and stick feathers to arrows.

• Bulbs were crushed to make starch for ruffs of sleeves and collars.

• Take care! It takes five to seven years from seed to bulb.

• Bluebells are usually a sign of an ancient woodland.

I and countless others find these delicate, native flowers a real joy and along with the arrival of our migrant birds they are one of the true signs in this country that Spring has indeed sprung. Go and enjoy them just for the few weeks they are around, just like me and Poppy are doing here in Heaton Royds.

Have a wonderful Spring.