There is growing concern that bluebells - one of our most striking wildflower scenes - may be under threat.
Rare in most of Europe and absent from the rest of the world, Sussex is a stronghold for bluebells as it’s so heavily wooded but the native bluebell may face an uncertain future due to the long term effects of climate change and the loss and degradation of woodland habitats.
The Wildlife Trusts say the UK could lose iconic species such as bluebells within 50 years due to climate change, with other wildlife currently found in France and southern Europe colonizing Britain for the first time.
A two centigrade rise in temperature will drive many species further north but alongside new and exciting wildlife arrivals we will see an inevitable decrease and loss amongst native species.
Spring flowers including bluebells currently have an advantage as they use the resources stored in their underground bulbs to start growing in the cold of winter or early spring. With warmer springs induced by climate change, bluebells will lose their early start advantage, with other temperature sensitive plants growing and germinating earlier.
Dr Tony Whitbread, chief executive of Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) says “At national and local level we must build an environment that is able to adapt to climate change. This means building a large green network - a matrix of wildlife habitats so that plants such as bluebells and other animals can move and adapt. Restoring the natural environment on a landscape-scale not only helps wildlife it can provide essential ecological services such as alleviating floods, controlling pollution and helping with the storage of carbon dioxide.”
Spring is a magical time to walk in the woods and enjoy a carpet of beautiful bluebells. To enjoy the sight of wild bluebells in Sussex this Spring why not visit one of the Trust’s nature reserves including Ebernoe Common and Burton Pond near Petworth in the west, Woods Mill near Henfield or Marline Woods near Hastings in the east.
Please remember native bluebells are protected and it is illegal to dig up the bulbs.
Visit the Trust’s website for more details on our nature reserves www.sussexwt.org.uk/reserves/index.htm