Appearing Now!

As springtime arrives, the woodlands come alive with the enchanting beauty of British bluebells. These captivating, bell-shaped flowers create a mesmerizing carpet of blue, transforming the landscape at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens into a magical wonderland.  

British bluebells hold a special place in the hearts of visitors and have long been a symbol of the arrival of warmer days. In this post, we explore the fascinating world of British bluebells, uncovering their unique characteristics, ecological importance, and the efforts made to protect these iconic wildflowers for future generations to enjoy. 

The British bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is illegal to uproot them from land on which they naturally grow. 

Bluebells are an important early flower for many pollinating insects such as bees, hoverflies, and butterflies.  

Bluebells make the most of flowering early in the spring before the surrounding trees come out in full leaf and completely shade the woodland floor. 

Bluebells have a distinct, sweet scent that attracts bees to their nectar and pollen. 

The bulbs of bluebells contain a starch that was used in Elizabethan times to stiffen ruffs. 

Bluebells are often associated with folklore and the supernatural. According to one legend, bluebells ring at daybreak to call fairies to the woods. 

Over half of the world's population of bluebells grow in the UK. 

Ants help to spread bluebell seeds, so if you live near a bluebell wood, you may find them popping up in your garden. 

If you want to determine if a bluebell is native, check the pollen inside the flower. If it's creamy-white, then the bluebell is probably native (or a hybrid). If the pollen is green or blue, it's not native.