Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography
6. The chequered skipper butterfly also nectars on bluebells, as do several moth species.
7. Folklore used to tell that bluebells ring at daybreak to call fairies to the woods.
8. Bluebell bulbs contain a starch that in Elizabethan times was used to stiffen ruffs.
9. Gum from the roots was used to glue feathers to arrows & in bookbinding.
10. Bluebell juice was said to cure snake bites, but is chemically very potent & can be toxic in large doses.
Spanish bluebells. Richard Burkmar
11. Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is a non-native garden escapee threatening our native species. They were originally introduced by plant hunters in the late 17th century. The Spanish bluebells became popular with gardeners as they grow more vigorously & suit the more open aspect of gardens, whereas native bluebells thrive best in dappled shade provided by deciduous woodland. However, Spanish bluebells lack the delicate perfume of our native species.
Unfortunately, the 2 species of bluebell hybridize easily so it can be quite difficult to tell them apart.
The native flower stem droops or nods distinctly to one side whereas the non-native’s stem is stiff and upright. The leaves are narrow 1 to 1.5cm, whereas the Spanish or hybrid can be up to 3cm wide. The native flower is often a much darker blue, although there can be occasional white ones.
Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. April 2011. Neil Aldridge
Margery Thomas, volunteer, has been writing articles about Hothfield Heathlands' flora and fauna since 2016. In this month's article, she reflects on some of August's sightings and recent updates.
Bridge and Patrixbourne CEP School's gold Wilder Kent Award is an impressive achievement, with 1,000+ trees planted, Forest School for every pupil, and biodiversity research presented at the Royal Society.
It's been a hot few months on Hothfield Heathlands! Long-time volunteer, Margery Thomas, reflects on recent work and sightings.
