Bluebells are a timeless example of the antiquity of our ancient woods.
But how much do you know about this iconic wildflower? This page has the answers...
The best time to see them...
The best time to see them is in late April and May though some will flower earlier or later depending on their location and local climate.
This year we expect them to arrive a couple of weeks later than usual due to the harsh winter.
Where to find them...
Bluebells are predominantly found in woodland and their displays can be found all over the UK.
They prefer moist, shady and stable conditions, so woodlands are ideal. But, in more northern and westerly parts of Britain, bluebells can also be found in all sorts of habitats, such as hedgerows or even by the sea in Cornwall.
We've compiled a list of our favourite bluebell woods and, by entering your postcode, you can see if there's one near you.
Can you pick them?
Native bluebells are protected against sale by law. This means it’s illegal to dig up the bulbs from the wild in order to sell them.
In fact if you don’t own the land it is illegal to dig up the bulbs for any purpose
However In England and Wales it is possible pick the leaves, flowers or seeds for your own use but in Scotland you can be charged for doing this.
But the flowers are unlikely to survive long enough for you to take home and put in water, so advice is that if you don’t need to pick the bluebells leave them where they are so everyone can enjoy them.
Bluebell facts...
- Some estimates suggest the UK has up to half of the world's total bluebell population
- Despite their name, bluebells can be white. If you see pink ones they are probably Spanish bluebells
- 71% of native bluebells are found in broadleaved woodland or scrub
- Tennyson speaks of bluebell juice being used to cure snake-bite. The romantic poets of the 19th century, such as Keats and Tennyson, believed that the bluebell symbolised solitude and regret
