Bluebells / Hyacinthoides non-scripta / An Cloigín Gorm

Bluebells / Hyacinthoides non-scripta / An Cloigín Gorm

Whilst going for a woodland walk during mid-spring, it is a true joy to be greeted by a carpet of bluebells. The striking colour and delicate scent is familiar to many of us, but although reasonably widespread on the island of Ireland, the population here is significant as its global range has decreased rapidly in recent years. This is due to habitat loss and cross-breeding with the Spanish Bluebell, which was introduced for commercial horticulture.

Bluebells provide a particularly valuable early source of nectar for pollinators but are poisonous to humans. They favour broadleaf woodland and take advantage of the dabbled light in Spring before the tree leaves form a dense canopy overhead.  

At Castlewellan areas that are favourable to bluebells are being opened through targeted scrub removal. Because of this there has been a marked increase in the population, particularly to the North side of the lake.