Bluebell has inspired people through history

Rich blues, crisp whites, vivid yellows and a variety of pinks have appeared against the lush green backdrop of newly sprouted leaves adorning the hawthorn, oaks and birch. One plant in particular puts on such a show everything else seems to pale into insignificance.

The species in question is the Bluebell. Look at a single example, and while it is a beautiful and delicate flower, it is nothing to write home about. However, look at it in its natural setting, as a dense carpet on the woodland floor and it takes on a whole new appearance. A walk through the nature reserves of Hurcott Pool or the Rifle Range will demonstrate this perfectly.

As you approach the bluebell woods, the first thing that hits you is the sickly sweet aroma. Looking ahead, through the trees, you will notice an almost eerie blue haze. But once the natural spectacular is in full view, its beauty speaks for itself, and all I can suggest is to go and visit to look for yourself.

However, you will need to be quick, they flower for but a few weeks each year and are already on full show.

The beauty of the bluebell has inspired people through history and has a wealth of folklore surrounding it. It is said that bluebells were enchanted by fairies, to walk through a bluebell wood left a person at risk of being whisked away by the fairies and that anyone unlucky enough to actually hear the bells ring, would die within a year.

Much of the doom and gloom surrounding the plant is possibly linked to its toxic nature, with traditional uses such as being a rat poison. It did however have many positive uses; the chemical properties of the bulb liberate an excellent glue when crushed.

This was often used to attach the fletching of arrows, and also as a book binding for which it was excellent, as its toxic properties also repelled silverfish. There were medicinal uses also, the poet Tennyson wrote of them being a cure for snake bite. And it is documented as being used to stem bleeding.

Even the plant's Latin name, Hyacinthoids non-scripta has reference to ancient folklore. The second part of its name translates to un-lettered'.

The Welsh name for the plant is Croeso yr Haf', which translates into Welcome to summer'. This seems particularly accurate at the moment, as our weather shifts from cool damp conditions to summer-like heat.

Bluebells are a threatened species and this can be attributed to various factors. One such factor is the spread of the Spanish bluebell, an alien species which grows much more vigorously than our slow growing native variety. It easily hybridises with our native plant, reducing the number of genetically native stock.

Other factors such as trampling have a huge impact upon bluebell woods. Loss of habitat is perhaps the main reason for the decline in bluebell population. Their requirements are very specific, dappled light through a woodland with just the right level of humidity.

Old coppiced woodland provided this habitat perfectly, with the decline in traditional woodcraft, this habitat has also declined and along with it, the bluebell.