Bluebell Survey 2009
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Thank you to everyone who took part in the Natural History Museum Bluebell Survey in 2008, which was again run in association with Plantlife and the Ramblers Association.
Native Bluebells. © Tim Wilkins/Plantlife
Voted Britain’s most popular wild flower in a Plantlife poll, the UK is the international stronghold for the native Bluebell. In fact we have between 25% and 50% of the world's population!
So its perhaps not surprising we feel a responsibility towards protecting this cherished flower.
Since 2003, thousands of volunteers have helped Plantlife keep track of Bluebells in Britain. Why not join them in the 2009 Bluebell Survey?
What's it about?
The 2009 Bluebell Survey, led by the Natural History Museum, aims to reveal the exact nature and distribution of the various Bluebell species in Britain. This information will support the Museum’s research into the threat posed by hybridisation.
Hybridisation?
That's right. In addition to our very own native Bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, there are two other kinds thought to be found in the UK: the non-native Spanish Bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica, and what appears to be a hybrid of Spanish and native, Hyacinthoides x massartiana.
Bluebells at Ranscombe Farm Reserve in Kent
© Bob Gibbons/Plantlife
By monitoring what species are cropping up where, we hope to get a better understanding of the nature of these threats.
To find out more, check out the Natural History Museum Bluebell Survey page.
Do I need to be an expert?
Not at all - anyone can take part. You don't need to live in the countryside either - we want to hear about Bluebells everywhere, and that includes gardens, hedgerows, your local park - the list is endless!
Taking part is easy. Simply:
- Print off a questionnaire from the Natural History Museum website here.
- Search for Bluebells and record your findings on the printed questionnaire.
- Visit this page and record your findings online.
- Feel satisfied you've made a valuable contribution to our understanding of the nation's favourite wild flower.
Download Plantlife’s Bluebells of Britain leaflet to find out how you can identify the different types.