Gardening expert Monty Don has warned against removing bluebells this spring, as to do so would ‘break the law’.
Spring gardens are flourishing with an array of beautiful seasonal flowers and spring bulbs, including the bluebell, which thrives in woodlands and gardens at this time of year.
The National Trust has also issued guidance to ensure that no gardener inadvertently risks a whopping £5,000 — a costly mistake.
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‘Bluebells are an essential part of our natural heritage,’ says The National Trust. Almost half the world’s bluebells are found in the UK, and colonies of this delicate wild flower take a long time to establish – around five to seven years from seed to bloom.’
The delicate nature of bluebells means additional measures have been brought in for their protection. ‘They’re considered so important that they’re a protected species in the UK,’ the National Trust added. ‘It’s against the law to intentionally pick, uproot, or destroy bluebells.’
Without being able to absorb sunlight, they cease to store nutrients in their bulbs, which then harms future blooming and seeds.
Monty Don has reminded viewers in the Gardeners’ World Winter Special, ‘never plant them in a border, even the English ones can become invasive, and certainly the Spanish bluebells are an absolute no-no.’
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Anyone who digs up wild bluebells and replants them is breaking the law and faces a colossal £5000, as a sign of how seriously the issue is being taken. You are able to purchase bluebells from retailers, however.
‘It has to be stressed, it is illegal to dig up wild bluebells from anywhere,’ insists Monty. ‘If you go to a wood and see acres and acres of them, take one, and you’ve broken the law.’
Instead, Monty suggests you buy bluebells in May once the flowering period has finished to enjoy a joyful spring display the following year. You can buy a pot of ten bluebell bulbs for less than £15 from plant specialist retailer Crocus.
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