Bluebells - friend or faux? | Bristol Nature Channel

One of natures most glorious displays in springtime are the carpets of bluebells in our British woodland. They grow before any other plant can take over the woodland floor. Join Heather in Leigh Woods as she investigates how their existence here in Britain is threatened by a Spanish bluebell invader.

Producer and presenter by Heather Lampard
Filmed, directed and edited by Jim Lampard, www.jimlampard.co.uk
Music by Bensound, www.bensound.com

Our British bluebells are also native in mainland Europe but Britain has the largest population of this one species (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). They've been the only bluebell in Britain since the last ice age, however since humans have enjoyed a spot of gardening they are now under threat. In 1683, a Spanish bluebell was introduced to Britain. It escaped peoples gardens and has started turning up in the wild. It's genetic similarity means that it can cross-pollinate with our British bluebells producing fertile hybrids. The hybrids are out competing our British bluebells, threatening their very existence in what has been their home for thousands of years. This has become a conservation concern on a global level.