Threat to our flower could leave Britain blue

One threat to British bluebells is its popularity in gardens, which leads to wild bulbs being dug up and sold. The bluebell is a protected species and it is illegal to take bulbs from the wild. Unfortunately, people are ignoring this law. This is a matter of great concern as once removed it can take up to 100 years for bluebell woodlands to regenerate.

Climate change is also a problem. Bluebells flower and grow earlier than most of our wildflowers but warmer winters could alter this pattern and mean bluebells no longer have the advantage over other species. The impact of climate change is impossible to predict but it could mean in some areas the bluebell will vanish. This could have a knock-on effect on our wildlife - bluebells are an important early food flower for bees, hoverflies and butterflies which feed on nectar.

The Spanish bluebell, widely cultivated in gardens and parks, is another threat to the British bluebell due to the two species breeding. Hybridisation of this kind can alter the genetic make up of a species, threatening its long-term survival, and gardeners should not plant Spanish or hybrid bluebells in the countryside or near native populations.

There are other ways in which you can help the British bluebell. Julian Jones, Manager of Radnorshire Wildlife Trust says: “We can all help to save our native bluebells. If you are buying them for your garden please check the bulbs have been cultivated for sale and, if in any doubt, ask the garden centre manager.”
“ Another way you can help is to take part in the online survey ‘Bluebells: Exploring British Wildlife’ which will be used by scientists at The Natural History Museum to create a map of where bluebells grow in the UK and when they flower. To take part in the survey go to www.nhm.ac.uk/bluebells.”

Make sure you take the time to appreciate the beautiful bluebell spectacle this spring. If you would like to join a guided walk, come and see the bluebells at Radnor Wildlife Trust’s Cwm Byddog Nature Reserve near Clyro on May 11th – meet at the Reserve Entrance (SO 216 448) at 2pm.