The Bluebells in Bicknor Wood

 

Thank you to Phil Riches and Tom Coe who have collaborated to produce a gallery of photographs of the Bluebells of Bicknor Wood.

There is some debate amongst residents whether the Bluebells are early or late this year, but those who argue have come from fields afar and may be basing their Bluebell calendar on their previous location. 

The Bicknor microclimate has been dramatically altered in recent years with windbreaks and heat-retentive brick strategically placed in the vicinity.

It is difficult to pin down a day of peak blueness. Even comparative photographs taken on the same date would be inconclusive as the angle of the sun at different times of day affects the absorption and reflection of the blue light wavelengths. 

One thing that is not in doubt is the joy that such profusion brings to anyone walking through the wood as the sun dapples through the thinly-leafed branches above.

My sense of smell has been ruined by my 40 Rothman's-a-day habit, but I am assured that there is a faint scent from the carpet. It has been described as "oily-green" by a perfumier, but that doesn't help me much.

In the UK, the flower is known as the British Bluebell. We have assumed a proprietorial stance as 50% of the World's Bluebells are found on our shores.

They are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) which makes it a criminal offence to deliberately destroy, uproot or even pick a bluebell.

If you have any pictures of Bluebells that you would like to share with us, please do, but please enjoy the spectacle from the path.