02/05/2005

Now is the time to see Northamptonshire's bluebell woods at their best. And there are plenty of them to choose from, as every wood will have its fair share of this most English of flowers.

One of Britains most popular wild flowers, it is now also finding its way into gardens, although there is a lot of concern that our native plant is being overtaken by its Spanish counterpart.

This picture was taken in Fermyn Woods at the end of April and it's over the next few weeks that the flowers will be at their best. Bluebells are well adapted to life in woodlands. When they flower In spring the surrounding trees have not yet come out in full leaf. This allows them to complete their life cycle while light levels are high. They grow quickly as they have an energy store in the form of a bulb.

The Bluebells latin name of 'Hyacinthoides Non-Scripta' gives away the fact that it is a member of the hyacinth family and is sometimes referred to as 'wild hyacinth'. Bluebells contain poison or very strong alkaloids. And...of course....you do know that you're not allowed to pick them don't you ??

For some interesting information on bluebells and how to tell the native from the Spanish variety of bluebell take a look at the plantline website - www.plantlife.org.uk

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