BLUE HEAVEN
KATIE WRIGHT discovers seven woodland walks full of beguiling bluebells
A SWATHE of bluebells blanketing a shady woodland spot is one of the most beautiful sights to behold.
Blooming right through May, the vibrant flowers are a vital source of pollen and nectar for butterflies, hoverflies and bees – the latter can actually ‘steal’ the sugary liquid without the need to pollinate it by biting a hole in the bottom of the flower.
The bell-shaped beauties are particularly delicate, however.
They take at least five years to establish and colonise, and damaged bulbs cannot produce enough energy to flower and reproduce, so it’s important to take care when walking through woods.
Sally Bavin, Woodland Trust assistant conservation officer, says: “They are often found in ancient woodlands because large colonies take so long to establish. The early blooms provide an important source of pollen and nectar for emerging insects.
“But many ancient woodlands where bluebells were found have been destroyed over the years, so the special places which remain are extremely precious.
“It is vital for us to safeguard these.
“We can all help with this by ensuring we do not damage the delicate flowers by keeping to the paths and keeping dogs from trampling through patches of bluebells.”
So stay on the paths, keep dogs on a short lead and take litter home with you. You should also never pick the wild flowers either – not least because, according to legend, if you do you’ll be led astray by fairies, never to be found again.
Here are seven picturesque places to see bluebells blooming now.
Kinclaven Bluebell Wood, Perthshire
Take the Oakwood Loop trail through Kinclaven Bluebell Wood (woodlandtrust.org.uk) in Perthshire, Scotland, to see the flowers in full bloom. You might even spy a red squirrel or two.
Nidd Gorge, Yorkshire
Comprising five woods, Nidd Gorge is a steep-sided valley near Knaresborough in North Yorkshire. The River Nidd runs through the gorge, which has an interesting history – some Iron Age ramparts are still visible in places.
Killinthomas Woods, County Kildare
There are 10km of signposted walking trails spread over 200 acres at Killinthomas Woods (intokildare.ie) in County Kildare. As well as bluebells, in spring you’ll find pretty white wild garlic flowers blossoming on the forest floor.
Hole Park Gardens, Kent
A former Kent Garden of the Year winner, Hole Park country house (holepark.com) is surrounded by 16 acres of beautiful gardens. You can check the handy bluebell barometer online to find the optimal time to see the flowers in bloom.
Blickling Estate, Norfolk
From the formal gardens of Kent’s Blickling Estate (nationaltrust.org.uk) to the Great Wood surrounding the property, you’ll spoilt for bluebellspotting opportunities.
Graig Fawr, Wales
Every spring the beech woodland of Graig Fawr near Port Talbot in South Wales, explodes with colour as the bluebells blossom in the forest.