The young beech leaves make it harder and harder for the sunlight to reach the bluebells. Lots of flowers have been pollinated and start withering, their deep purple blue colour getting paler. Meanwhile, bear’s garlic is blooming in the moist, calcareous valleys. Yellow archangel, Solomon’s seal and greater stitchworth are blooming in the edges of the paths that get a lot of light. Unfortunately, the traces of respectless photographers and smartphone users are visible, leaving a trail of destruction in the form of new paths and open spaces where completely trampled bluebells disfiguring the fragile forest. This is destruction of a natural environment protected by the European Union.
Saturday afternoon 27 April there is the yearly ‘bluebell jogging’, 1200 participants are expected. If you want to walk in peace and quiet, it is better to choose another moment.