Why are they ringing?
In recent years, the British bluebell has declined dramatically. It's now an endangered species.Why?
The British bluebell flourishes in mature broadleaf woodlands that are about 20 years old, with a closed canopy for dappled sunlight. However, due to changes in land use, these habitats have been disappearing.
Also, the pure British strain is being diluted by the rampant Spanish and hybrid varieties. Over the past 100 years, the Spanish bluebell has escaped from gardens into the wild. It also inter-bred with the native bluebell, producing a hybrid. Both these bluebells spread faster than the native variety, and have been taking over.
What's been done about it?
Thanks to efforts over the last 30 years by environmental bodies such as the Central Scotland Forest Trust, the Woodland Trust and Scottish Wildlife Trust, there's now more woodlands that are just right for British Bluebells. But it's still not enough - yet - AND the other varieties like them too!
And that's why CSFT has launched the ‘Alarm Bells for Bluebells' campaign.
What can you do?
- Help us build up a picture of bluebells across Scotland's Central Belt. Everyone sending us a sighting will be entered into a £50 prize draw.
- Help us plant more bluebells. We aim to plant over 25,000 bulbs throughout 2008. Keep an eye on our bluebell events page and local press for further details.
- Make sure you buy British bluebell bulbs grown in Britain if you're planting your own.
- You can also donate to our campaign - just text ‘bluebells' to 82540 to donate £3.00* which will pay for 10 bulbs.
Go bluebell spotting - and you could win £50
We want people to go looking for bluebells in their area. Record and send us your sightings and we'll enter you into a prize draw to win a garden centre voucher worth £50.
For more information read our Bluebell FAQs pdf.
*Standard network charges apply. CSFT will receive your donation less a small processing fee.
