|
CHESHIRE'S BLUEBELL POPULATION UNDER THREATMAY is a magical time to walk in Cheshire's woods and enjoy the annual spectacle created by a beautiful carpet of bluebells. The UK's woodlands are home to 20 per cent of worldwide bluebells, providing one of our most striking wildflower scenes. However, Cheshire Wildlife Trust is voicing concern for the future of this beautiful display and is urging the public to help save one of the nation's favourite wildflowers.British bluebells face an uncertain future due to the long term effects of climate change. More immediately they face the threat from habitat loss and horticultural demand for bluebells for gardens, which has led to digging up of wild bulbs. The British bluebell also faces the challenge of the cultivated version of the Spanish bluebell, with which it has bred to form a hybrid species. The hybrid bluebell is becoming increasingly common*, leading to fears that the true British bluebell could be wiped out. Sue Tatman, Cheshire Wildlife Trust's gardening officer, says that the horticultural trade has a duty to ensure that bluebell bulbs are accurately labelled, whilst warning gardeners not to plant Spanish or hybrid bluebells in the countryside or near native populations. Sue comments, "It is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to dig up the bulbs of wild bluebells and dealers face heavy fines for selling them. We can all help to save our native bluebells; if you are buying them for your garden please check that the bulbs have been cultivated for sale and if in any doubt ask the garden centre manager. I would also encourage people to visit the bluebell woods throughout Cheshire for an inspirational sight this spring, but remember to take care - stick to the footpaths to avoid trampling the plants." Cheshire's Biodiversity Action Plan Group has been active in attempting to address this decline, surveying three woods in the Chester area and one in Macclesfield for their bluebell potential. The Cheshire Bluebell BAP Group has also entered into a partnership with the Barrowmore Estate to grow on bluebell seeds and bulbs, with Barrowmore supplying the nursery area and horticultural expertise, and the BAP Group will providing the final woodland and community sites for their eventual planting. The project is being funded by the Waste Recycling Group, through WREN, local chemical manufacturer, INEOS Chlor and The Mersey Forest. Richard Smith of WREN comments, "WREN is delighted to work with the Barrowmore Estate and the Cheshire BAP Group. We have previously funded other projects that have helped with the survival of bluebells in Cheshire, and this latest forward looking initiative could help to provide a continual supply of bluebells for the new community woodlands and for other community based schemes." To discover a vast sea of dazzling blue hues, visit a Cheshire Wildlife Trust woodland reserve or join a guided walk to learn more about conserving our wildflower-rich woodlands. ENDS Editor
Notes
For further information please contact:
Stephen on 0161 274 3311 |
