The Bluebell
Bluebell woods were once riddled with folklore... and fairies. These magical creatures were summoned by the ringing of the bluebells. Anyone who heard the flowers chime would not have long to live.
Many types of plants grow in ancient woodland and are considered indicator species. Bluebells are one of those indicator plants
The habitat is mainly woodlands but can be found in scrub, hedge banks or even along sea-cliffs. They are perfectly adapted to cope with the shade created by the woodland canopy above. The first shoots emerge in January, giving bluebells a valuable head start over other woodland plants. They can grow and sow seeds before the trees produce leaves, reducing space and light.
There are three kinds of bluebell thought to be found in the UK: the native Bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, the Spanish Bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica, and what appears to be a fertile hybrid between the two, Hyacinthoides x massartiana.
Interbreeding with Spanish bluebells and the resulting hybrids is also posing a threat to our native variety. The Spanish bluebells were introduced to British gardens in the 17th century, but it wasn't until the 20th century that they escaped into the wild. As a result, a third of bluebells are either a Spanish or hybrid variety, and one in six bluebell woods contains a mixture of all three species.
In 1998, after 50 years of people digging up bluebells to sell in garden centres, uprooting of the native flowers was finally made illegal. In order to protect this endangered species, stick to footpaths and resist the urge to pick them.
The rangers tell me that the best place to park is in the main car-park (N 51° 33•131 E00° 35•724.), however, this is £2 for the day. (check times as varies throughout the year. )
You are looking for a (slightly smaller than) 35mm film can sized container. It is accessible from the path and there is no need to climb any trees or slopes. Please carefully hide again as it can be easily spotted.