[Closed] Bluebells 2017 - Official Thread 😉

Whereabouts are you?

South Glos

I'm guessing there should be some round Somerset by now then, can't say I've noticed though.

Wow!
Our snowdrops are still out.

That bluebell is looking a bit like a hybrid, no droop 🙁

I've seen the odd one, but no carpeted woodlands yet.

Wow - I thought it was early May before the bluebells popped up

That's one of them foreign interlopers. Don't it know it's not welcome?

Unfotunately bees are pollinating the invasive Spanish bluebell, which then gets cross pollinated with our native British bluebell, causing a hybrid.
I've asked neighbours to dig up their Spanish bluebells and burn them, but they won't and dont care that its going to affect our woodland species.
The Spanish bluebells don't have any scent either.
Imo the joy of a bluebell woodland in season is that glorious perfume filling the air.

First few flowers in the woods (Reading) this afternoon. The next two weeks should see the out in force, or so I hope.

Why does it matter that Spanish ones grow here ?

Spanish bluebells will cross pollinate with our woodland bluebells, thus taking away the scent and they look completely different.
The British bluebell is smaller,has a droop, yellow centre, is more delicate and has a vibrant blue colour, which the Spanish does not.

Our bluebell woods are famous the world over and will change if we don't save them,

So the scent will go, but as for looks - they still look like Bluebells. Not sure what the fuss is. You cant stop it anyway.

So the scent will go, but as for looks - they still look like Bluebells. Not sure what the fuss is. You cant stop it anyway.

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Not an ecologist, then.

Trimix - its not just the scent, its the colour. Our native British bluebells are a vivid bright blue, they even look amazing on a dull day. The Spanish are pale.

My attitude is different to yours, if I can do something about it I will.
Our countryside atm is under enormous pressure, it needs looking after as does the flora and fauna that rely on it.

As for red squirrels - there is a big drive in certain areas of this country to bring them back. It will be unpopular (probably with townies) because it means taking away the greys, which like the Spanish bluebell are a threat to our own native species.

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2909/33433136212_cc0b63e1b3_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2909/33433136212_cc0b63e1b3_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/SWnyAY ]Bluebells 2017[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/58162507@N07/ ]SGMTB[/url], on Flickr

[img][url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2816/33648467581_ec3c96b719_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2816/33648467581_ec3c96b719_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Tgpc7M ]First blue bells.[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/martinddd/ ]martinddd[/url], on Flickr[/img]

Nr. Horsley, Gloucestershire. Garlics getting pungent too 😀

opening in the garden

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[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3946/33114503324_005d54f93c_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3946/33114503324_005d54f93c_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Ssdu9u ]Bluebells 2017[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/58162507@N07/ ]SGMTB[/url], on Flickr

Few more here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/58162507@N07/

We have loads out on the North Downs near Maidstone. My trail run this morning was glorious!

How are the Chilterns between Woodcote & Henley at the mo? Thinking about going over that way next weekend.

Saw first swallow of the year 6-45pm Saturday in Cracoe best sight so far, small smattering of blue bells in local wood.

Today 🙂
[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2855/33865843361_614d850c90_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2855/33865843361_614d850c90_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/TABin4 ]Bluebells 2017[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/58162507@N07/ ]SGMTB[/url], on Flickr

First bluebells spotted on night ride last night in NW Leicestershire.

Trimix - Member
So the scent will go, but as for looks - they still look like Bluebells. Not sure what the fuss is. You cant stop it anyway.

Was over West Woods on Sunday, and they're only just starting to show in a few clumps here and there:

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There is one area over the far side where they're starting to give a faint blue haze through the trees, I reckon it'll be another couple of weeks before they really start to show their full colour...

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west woods hereford earlier today

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Not an ecologist, then.

Red squirrels are alien invasives? 😯

Lots out between Hampton Norreys and Ashampstead. Think they're Spanish tho'. Still nice to look at.

redthunder - love the roe and see from your link that you have a deer skull, what's the story behind that?

Such nice pics all, keep 'em coming!

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3938/34065135146_9b50ae7e06_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3938/34065135146_9b50ae7e06_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

The plumpjumper in Stanmer Park, Brighton with a sea of blue in the background.

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Getting there...

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3853/33284196353_21b7dd0fae_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3853/33284196353_21b7dd0fae_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/SHdcYn ]Penyard MTB - last before Spain trip[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexleigh/ ]Alex Leigh[/url], on Flickr

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@CG

The buck skulls. Since riding in woods (18 years)...I've always looked out for Roes Deer Skulls, especially bucks. Over the years I have managed to come across 3 complete skulls and loads of antlers.

Dont really know why I put it on the bike for a picture ? Looked interesting mayby.

They all hang in my art studio now. I have also discovered they value, which surprised me 🙂

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[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2857/33769929300_f7dafe7e6e_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2857/33769929300_f7dafe7e6e_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Ts8Hsm ]Bluebells 2017[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/58162507@N07/ ]SGMTB[/url], on Flickr

PS No Bluebells were harmed in this picture....the trails jinks a bit a natural dip.

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2937/33313136324_6fe83ba4ea_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2937/33313136324_6fe83ba4ea_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/SKLwPo ]Bluebells with White[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/58162507@N07/ ]SGMTB[/url], on Flickr

CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0)
Public Domain Dedication

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2918/33771511960_da23e8e78d_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2918/33771511960_da23e8e78d_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/TsgPVA ]Bluebells 2017[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/58162507@N07/ ]SGMTB[/url], on Flickr

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On a slightly different thread: I found our first 2017 baby slow worm today. 🙂

West Sussex last weekend - trail conditions are glorious

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Found a white one today
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And loads of blue ones
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Cranham Woods today.

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^
Looking good 🙂

Even the dog loves the bluebells

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Too many trees in the way to get all of them in but the forest in Machen was carpeted with them!

[url=[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2863/34182000566_b6640c0643_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2863/34182000566_b6640c0643_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/U5xFTm ]20170423_103742_Richtone(HDR)[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/91448594@N04/ ]Da_Milky_Bar_Kid[/url], on Flickr]BLuebells in MAchen[/url]

Can't be long left for them now. Leave cover is filling out as Spring wears on.

They're really starting to show in decent numbers all around Castle Combe, should be coming into their best over West Woods by the bank holiday weekend.

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Flower is v dependent on site. I went looking, but it wasn't until I reached the south facing slope that they were out in number. That was under beach and oak, so 3 more weeks at least in that wood.

Odd one out:
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