Bluebell Wood.
23rd April 2026
This year’s pre-season bluebell walk took place in the woodlands around Bryn Euryn. Although they had been in flower a couple of weeks, there was still a decent showing on the woodland floor punctuated by yellow celandine, purple orchids and white stichwort. Known in old English by a multitude of names including cuckoo’s boots, granfer griggles, witches’ thimbles, lady’s nightcap, fairy flower and crow’s toes, our native bluebell is under threat from an interloper, the Spanish bluebell. They grow upright, with the flowers around the stem, not all droopy like the British bluebell. There are countless tales surrounding bluebells, many of which involve dark fairy magic. It is said that if you hear a bluebell ring, you will be visited by a bad fairy, and will die not long after. If you pick a bluebell, many believe you will be led astray by fairies, wandering lost forevermore. Plus, it is illegal under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and lead to a hefty fine! Away from botany, we heard tales of slaughtered Romans, a Romano-British fort, ‘town’ gas production and the gun toting airman who died playing Russian roulette during the Second World War.
Many thanks to Adrian for a fantastic evening and thanks to Christine for taking the photo's.
