It’s bluebell time again.

Last Thursday’s walk was with my lovely friend Louise with the intention of enjoying the display of bluebells in Heaton Woods.  Heaton Woods is a little oasis, hidden away just minutes on foot from Shipley town centre.

I optimistically donned my shorts to give the old legs an airing with the promise of sunshine. The choice of clothing was soon regretted as we spent quite a bit of our time trying to shelter from a heavy and persistent hail shower and lower than average temperatures.

Despite the weather, the woods were carpeted with swathes of bluebells which are in bloom much earlier this year due to the damp and mild winter we have just experienced.

Worryingly, I did spot a cluster of the invasive Spanish variety upon entering the woods. This variety is threatening our native species with the Spanish bluebell being more vigorous than our native species and outcompeting it for both light and space. It can also hybridise with our native variety too.  The imposter variety has probably spread from the nearby gardens that back onto Red Beck, which forms the natural boundary between Shipley and Heaton.

There are a number of key differences between the Spanish variety and our native bluebell but the most notable differences are the stems, the native variety having delicate, drooping stems compared to the more vigorous and upright stems of the Spanish bluebell.  Our native species also only has flowers on one side of the stem whereas the Spanish variety has clusters of flowers all around the stem.

It is very tempting to return to the woods with a garden spade or fork to dig up the Spanish bluebells before they spread further into the woodland, although I understand that this can be a pretty difficult task and may require a number of repeat attempts before they are eradicated.  The Victorians can be celebrated for many things but the introduction of many foreign plants and animals is not one of them, many of which are now causing problems for our indigenous species.

Our walk continued, following the course of the Red Beck, up onto Shay Lane and on to the quiet hamlet of Heaton Royds.  This charming little place is known locally as ‘Six Days Only’, one of the suggestions for this name derives from a  lady who lived in of the cottages in the hamlet who used to make nettle beer and sell it to passers by but not on the Sabbath. There are other alternative theories, many long since forgotten and I guess we will never know the true origin of the name.

I was hoping to see the nesting swallows at Heaton Royds, which can often be seen flying around the old barn and outbuildings behind the cottages on Heaton Royds Lane but sadly I think the inclement conditions had kept them away.

There are two buildings of interest in the hamlet, including the lovely 17th century Royds Hall Farm (complete with Spanish bluebells in the garden!) and the end cottage down the end of Heaton Royds Lane, complete with a stone over the doorway showing the date 1632. 

Further down the lane is farmland and impressive views across Shipley and over to my house off Carr Lane. This whole area is like an oasis of peace and tranquility just a stone’s throw from Shipley and well worth a visit, whether you enjoy wildflowers, bird spotting or simply being out and about in the great outdoors. I highly recommend a visit whenever you find yourself in the area or if you live locally and have never visited.

Our walk continued on to Wilsden and finally Harden, with a couple of pub stops along the way, when typically, at the end of the walk, the sun decided to show its face.

C’est la vie.

Imposters!

Royds Hall Farm