Bluebells

I have noticed evidence of bluebells being discarded along the footpaths at Willsbridge, and also today, saw an adult and child picking them.

Many will know that it is illegal to uproot any wildflower without express permission from the landowner or the government, however there is a special list which covers species designated as especially threatened. It is illegal to pick flowers from these even if the plant is left behind, and yes, you've guessed it, bluebells are on that list, but in this case only for the use for sale. So, you may pick bluebells provided the landowner gives you permission to do so, in this case Avon Wildlife Trust. You may not uproot or destroy any wildflower.

So in future, if tempted to pick these beautiful spring flowers, think again. If you pick them, you may not fall foul of UK criminal law, but you will deprive others the pleasure of seeing this increasingly threatened wildflower.

(Below) Native UK bluebell. Cultivated varieties have bell-flowers on opposite sides of the stalk. The wild UK species have them only on one side allowing the stalk to bend over. The shot below was taken in 2010 at Willsbridge.