Every spring I love nothing more than disappearing into our local woods with my camera, and watching them over the course of a few weeks transform into the most enchanting fairy-tale scene.
In late March and throughout April the woods become densely carpeted with the vibrant violet radiance, of my most loved wildflowers, the British Bluebell.
In the UK, the bluebell is a protected flower and rightly so; they are extremely sensitive flowers and if disturbed they can take years to grow back.
It is said that the bluebell symbolises constancy, humility, and gratitude, all things I feel have been increasingly important to many of us over the last year or so, making a walk amongst a bluebell wood even more pleasing.
I saw my first bluebell of the year in mid-March, however due to the colder weather and frosts we have experienced this spring the Bluebells have been much later to put on their incredible violet display.
We’ve made the most of each and every walk taking them all in and stopping to get Rupert out of his carrier so that he can play in the woods while we marvel both at him and the dogs together in this sublime setting, and just taking a moment to breath.
I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Rupert explore the magical woods this year on foot and not just in his carrier.
Although he’s been far more interested in finding a good stick!
Or doing a little bird spotting!
I cannot recall a year where the bluebells have been at their absolute best mid-May, as by this time they have normally left the woods feeling very empty and colourless.
I have absolutely adored this bluebell season with Rupert’s tiny hand in mine as we walk through the winding paths surrounded by the delicate purple flowers and their equally delicate aroma.
Needless to say we’ve taken more photos this year than any other!
One thing I have found utterly heart-breaking this bluebell season however, has been the vast amount of crushed bluebells caused by careless steps, most probably to get the perfect picture.
I am yet to come across another bluebell wood which matches or in fact even comes close to the beauty these woods hold during bluebell season.
Last weekend I really had to hold my tongue when we passed a family walking out of the woods with a HUGE bunch of bluebells, I found this to be an incredibly sad sight that this family felt it okay to do this and so openly too.
When walking through bluebells woods its important to remember a few things I like to call bluebell etiquette
- Colonies of bluebells take a long time to establish themselves, approximately five to seven years.
- It’s important to keep to paths to help ensure that these magical bluebell woods remain special places to be enjoyed long into the future and do not become something of the past, as areas of high footfall can lead to entire colonies of bluebells to die out completely.
- Beautiful and stunning pictures can be captured from paths, we need not damage flowers in the process.
- It is against the law to pick bluebells.
- Enjoy and observe them for what they are wildflowers.
If you are interested in a quick read about bluebell folklore read this from the National Trust.
Love for now
Love Emma x