In quiet glades and sun-dappled woods across the country, bluebells are springing up to blanket the landscape in colour. To celebrate this annual spectacle, Ramblers’ Bluebell Strolls Season will take place across the country in 100+ locations, from now until June 2010. It is part of an ongoing campaign with the Natural History Museum to better understand one of our most iconic and threatened spring flowers and discover more about our changing climate and countryside.

“For many the bluebell is Britain’s favourite flower and an important sign of the start of spring,” says Dr Fred Rumsey, botanist at the Natural History Museum. “We’re now keen to know when our Bluebells start flowering to help decide whether the genes within the hybrids between Spanish Bluebells and native British bluebells have altered their flowering time, or is spring just starting earlier?”

To help out, walkers are encouraged to join a bluebell walk, help ‘spot’ different types of bluebells, and enter their findings into the Natural History Museum’s online survey when they get home. Experts will use this crucial data to build a map of where the different types of bluebell are flowering. This is the fifth year running that the Ramblers have helped to contribute to research on British bluebells, and the Ramblers-led walks are free and open to all – offering the chance to see Britain’s beautiful woodland and countryside at its loveliest. Although the walks vary in length and difficulty – from family friendly 5, to 14 mile walks – all contain swathes of beautiful bluebells.

“The deep blue hue and gothic arches of the British bluebell, currently under threat from hybridisation, have brought immeasurable pleasure to walkers throughout history,” says Tom Franklin, CEO of the Ramblers. “What better way to help preserve these flowers, than putting on your boots and joining a led bluebell walk through Britain’s loveliest countryside this Spring?”

For details of Ramblers led bluebell walks, and to find one near you, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/walkthemes/Bluebells

Other bluebell-related events around the country include:

•The Cotswolds Bluebell Weekend, which takes place on 24 and 25 April. This event will provide unique opportunities for people of all ages to discover some of the best places to see bluebells across the AONB – from Ozleworth Bottom near Wotton-under-Edge, to Lynches Wood near Chipping Campden. Walks around Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Midger Nature Reserve south of Nailsworth and the spectacular bluebell woods of Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust’s Foxholes Nature Reserve near Chipping Norton also form part of the weekend’s programme of events.

•The Perth & District Ramblers will be running a 5-mile, Grade C walk on Thursday  3rd June. Meeting point either ASDA car park , Perth at 6.30 p.m. or 7 p.m. at minor road at Broomhill, nr. Ballathie. Map Reference : Map 53 NO:133375
For further information contact John Andrews on 01738 827275

•Various National Trust woodlands and parks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be running events. Here is their selection of top bluebell locations.

Allen Banks & Staward Gorge in Northumberland – The largest area of ancient woodland in Northumberland, in spring Allen Banks comes alive with the fresh growth of wild flowers.  Explore the woods and discover the carpet of bluebells and wild garlic (ramsons) covering the woodland floor in late spring.  Download the gentle two mile riverside walk at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks. For more information contact:01434 344218.

Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire – The 1.5-mile way marked woodland trail has a stunning display of bluebells beneath the bright-green beech canopy.  Red kites can also be seen, pick up an I-spy Ashridge leaflet from the Discovery Centre. Download a two mile wildlife walk at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks. For more information contact: 01494 755557.

Blakes Wood in Essex – This 106 acre ancient woodland bursts into colour in spring with carpets of bluebells, primroses and yellow archangel along the woodland floor. Bring your binoculars and see if you can spot a Nightingale or Hawfinch. For more information contact: 01245 222 669.

Blickling in Norfolk – The wilderness garden and woodland in the park are renowned for their bluebells when a breathtaking two acres of blue can be seen with a single cloud of white formed by a clump of wild garlic growing in its midst. There are three way marked estate walks. For more information contact: 01263 738030.

Buckland Abbey in Devon – Discover fabulous bluebell displays in the Great North Wood and take a three mile ‘Bluebell Walk’ with the estate warden on Friday 7 May, 11am – 1.30pm.  No extra charge to normal admission but booking is advisable. For more information contact: 01822 853607.

Calke Park and Abbey in Derbyshire – With secret walks and 600 acres of parkland, much of it a National Nature Reserve, Calke is home to some of the oldest trees in Europe.  Among this ancient woodland, bluebells flower in abundance dotted with the yellow flowers of archangels in the Serpentine Wood. Download a Wildlife Walk at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks. For more information contact: 01332 863822.

Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire – There are several way marked walks throughout the parkland and wooded estate: take in the stunning bluebell displays and ancient trees at this special place.  For more information contact: 01558 824512.

Emmetts Garden in Kent – One of the highest points in Kent, with magnificent views of the Weald and North Downs. The woodland slopes are famed for their carpets of bluebells in spring.  For more information contact: 01732 751509.

Hardcastle Crags in Yorkshire – A hidden beauty spot near Hebden Bridge. The 3-mile Mill Walk is the ideal place to see a mass of bluebells in spring. You can also visit Gibson Mill, a flagship eco-friendly visitor centre, open Tuesdays – Thursdays and weekends from 1 April.   For more information contact: 01422 844518. Downloadable walk available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks

Kingston Lacey in Dorset – The 2.5-mile woodland walk and lime walk on the estate are a great place to see the annual show of bluebells. For more information contact: 01202 883402.

Lanhydrock in Cornwall – At the start of the 1.5-mile Great Wood and Avenue Walk you’ll come across the bluebell wood, famed for its carpet of colour in spring. For more information contact: 01208 265950.

Lyme Park in Cheshire – Wander up West Park Drive and enjoy a glorious bluebell display during May – along with great views across the Cheshire Plain.  For more information contact:01663 762023.

Nap Wood in Sussex – A tranquil woodland oasis along an ancient track way of the Weald, which possibly date back to the first few centuries AD. Mature tall trees tower above while a dense carpet of bluebells brightens the woodland floor in spring. Downloadable walk available at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks.  For more information contact: 01892 893868

Osterley Park in Isleworth, Middlesex – One of the last surviving country estates in London, the garden and park are the perfect retreat from London life. The bluebells appear late spring around the south and west woods. For more information contact: 020 8232 5050.

Rowallane Garden in County Down – Be inspired by this enchanting garden which reflects the beautiful natural landscape of the surrounding area.  Take a tranquil walk around the spring garden and the woodland trail, carpeted with bluebells in May. For more information contact: 028 9751 0131.

Speke Hall in Merseyside – Take a wander through the estate to Stocktons Wood where you’ll see a fantastic display of bluebells; keep going to be rewarded with great views of the Mersey estuary.  For more information contact: 0844 800 4799.

Stourhead in Wiltshire – One of the finest landscape gardens in the world, created in the 1740s by Henry Hoare II.  Bluebells are abundant throughout the Estate and give wonderful displays through the wooded glades.  Park Hill Camp is a circular 3 mile walk through the magnificent woodland.  Downloadable walk available from www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks. For more information contact: 01747 841152.

The Weir near Hereford – A wonderful informal garden situated on the steeply-sloping, south-facing bank of the River Wye.  Richly planted with an abundance of bulbs, providing colour throughout spring, including bluebells. For more information contact:01981 590509.

Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey – Buried amidst the gorgeous collection of trees and shrubs is the old English bluebell wood, which slopes down to the lake beneath a canopy of oak and Japanese maple. All paths are hard-surfaced for wheelchairs and buggies. For more information contact: 01483 208477.

Image credits: Main photo by Wikipedia user ‘Palmiped’; landscape photo Ramblers; Buckland Abbey National Trust; Nap Wood © NTPL / Stephen Robson / National Trust

Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t advocate turning every walk into a job. Far from it, but chances are just about all readers of walk will have a heightened appreciation of the wildlife that surrounds us on every walk we take. With this in mind you might be interested to know that this appreciation could be put to very good use.

From a rambler’s point of view a garden or park birdwatch may prove a bit stationery – but if birds are your main interest then the British Trust for Ornithology will be more than happy to receive your recent sightings as you wander. A visit to the BTO’s website will show you just how many surveys and other reporting methods allow you contribute to their work.

Although you may like birds you may feel your interest lies more with the flora and fauna of the countryside. If this is the case then you won’t be at a loss to find a home for your observations. With climate change having an impact on wildlife you might find it interesting to submit your findings (relating to the first ‘this’ or the last ‘that’ of the year) into a system that compares these to other observations to graphically chart the trends. The Royal Meteorological Society began recording such information many years ago and in 2000 the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the Woodland Trust joined forces with them to promote the observing of such events. With that the UK Phenology Network took off. It now boasts something like 50,000 people recording these seasonal changes in our climate via its very useful and informative website.

I could go on and on as there are organisations and websites set up to record the observations on a wide range of subjects – from the weather to fish, butterflies to red squirrels. These observations also encompass the coastal areas as well, with the likes of the Marine Conservation Society holding Beachwatch every year for the last 16 years. So no matter where you are or what your interest is, you can add a new element to your walks.

But don’t go away thinking it’s only you giving something – helping with such surveys gives something directly back to you by helping hone your identification skills. You may also learn more about the wildlife and the environment you are visiting, and if you are not interested in becoming involved in submitting to large organisations you can always keep records for your own interest. You will soon see trends and by adding a few pictures, taken on a mobile phone or small camera, you can always use these as something of a log of your walks.

As I said at the outset, nobody wants to turn walking into a chore – but if you want to add an extra element to your time in the countryside, and want to contribute something to the work of conservation groups, then you might want to visit a few of the websites shown below.

RSPB
British Trust for Ornithology
UK Phenology Network
Royal Meteorological Society
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Woodland Trust
Red Squirrel
Marine Conservation Society

The historic legislation, which received Royal Assent on 12 November, will create a continuous coastal path around England, allowing the public the right to walk the country’s entire coastline. Currently, almost half of England’s shores have no public right of way. It follows decades of campaigning by the Ramblers, whose Chief Executive Tom Franklin hailed the Act as “a victory for everyone who walks in this island nation”.

“The Marine and Coastal Access Act will enshrine a very simple principle on the statute books — that everyone, no matter who they are, where they come from or how much money they have, has the right to visit all parts of the coast which is so much a part of our heritage, ” he said. “The Government deserves congratulations for having introduced the bill, based on Natural England’s research. What is needed now is a continued commitment to deliver access on the ground so people have a chance to enjoy the coast.”

The Ramblers’ coastal-access campaign will now focus on making the secondary legislation needed to turn the act into reality, working with its strong national workforce of volunteers to help Natural England create a National Trail that will be the envy of the world.

Read more about the plans for a new coastal path in our extended feature in the winter 2009 issue of walk, or an excerpt here.

Photo: Shipping litter © Steve Trewhella

A stylish new addition to the London Wetland Centre in Barnes was unveiled today – the city’s first architect-designed bat house. The brain-child of  Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, the giant white cube is four metres high and features layers of sculptured branches leading to dark, safe roosting spaces inside.

It’s hoped the first bats will move into their new home this autumn when they begin looking for places to mate and hibernate. The 42-hectare Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust London Wetland Centre is Europe’s leading urban wildlife reserve. Located on the banks of the River Thames in Barnes, South West London the centre is a vast natural space in the heart of the city – and home to dozens of rare species. Some of them should be in evidence on Thursday 17 September when the ‘Big Batty Walk’ kicks off at 6.40pm. Tickets are £10 each, and advance booking is essential: call 020 8409 4400.

“This new bat house is a fantastic addition to the WWT London Wetland Centre,” add Mayor of London Boris Johnson. “I would encourage people to visit and see how art and architecture are providing an important habitat for the capital’s bats.”

Photo by Teri Pengilley

One good thing is that many who enjoy walking in the countryside do stand a reasonable chance of seeing one of these endearing animals. OK, you do need to be in the right areas but slowly these areas are expanding. That’s not to say the battle has been won: far from it. However, you don’t have to walk in the Highlands of Scotland to see them.

One of the best places is on the Isle of Wight – an island with special rules in place to protect the reds from anyone bringing a grey onto the island. I’ve seen a red squirrel in Cowes, standing on a grass verge close to a bus stop. (Whether the bus stopped for him, I can’t recall…) I’ve also stayed in a static caravan on a tiny site near Freshwater only to be woken early in the morning by a small group of reds running round on the roof of the caravan! This went on for ages and we all felt very privileged they chose to wake us up.

Further north, Formby Point north of Merseyside is a National Trust reserve which offers visitors the chance to see the squirrels in conifer plantations close to sand dunes. This could be one of the more accessible places to see them in the UK. The Isle of Anglesey is now reporting a few reds in the area, a result of a number of successful reintroduction programs over the last few years. Both of these areas would provide walkers of all abilities with the opportunity to see the red in its natural habitat. Details of some of these locations can be found in the links shown below. Other areas include Dorset, Cumbria and Northumberland.

But without doubt, the area with the best track record and numbers of red squirrels has to be Scotland, and conservationists like the Highland Red Squirrel group work hard to maintain this population and build on it. The main reason for the Highlands remaining a stronghold for reds is the lack of greys in Scotland. As you may have read or heard, the greys can carry a virus which, although harmless to them, can kill reds. Once in an area, the greys cannot only deplete the food supply in the area but also infect the reds, ensuring that even if the reds do manage to overcome the virus the food supply is so low there is little chance of replenishing numbers.  Tree species can also play a part in how successful the reds are in a given area, so with all these factors to take into account it’s easy to see why they have such a hard time keeping a foothold in certain areas.

Rather than reintroduce reds, the Scottish groups have tried to ensure that the greys don’t get into areas populated by reds and they would seem to have had some success (and long may they continue to do so). So, it seems, your best chance of seeing red is to head north. And if you do, make sure you research the location before you go: there’s a lot to learn about when and where exactly to search, and a lot you can contribute towards conservation efforts by reporting any sightings of the red squirrel you may make.

For more information on the red squirrel, you might want to visit some of the following sites:
www.ukredsquirrels.org – for general UK information.
www.highlandredsquirrel.co.uk – one of a number of red squirrel groups in Scotland.
www.wildlifesurveys.org.uk/library_wildlife_red_squirrel_id.html – more general info on the red.
www.redsquirrels.info – conservation group based in Wales.
www.redsquirrels.info/formby_squirrels.html – details of reds in Formby.

Phil Pickin writes Walk magazine’s Wildlife Diary

Butterflies can’t fly in the rain, which limits their ability to find nectar and breed, so there was a real concern that the dire conditions in 2007 and 2008 would have had a serious impact on numbers this year. The warm and sunny conditions throughout the spring and early summer encouraged good numbers on many sites across the moors, and marsh fritillaries – which fly from late May to the end of June – had an especially good year. Counts at some Dartmoor sites were two or three times higher than those recorded during the previous two years, while the only remaining marsh fritillary site on Exmoor also enjoyed strong numbers. Other rare fritillary butterflies have also had a promising year. The number of high brown fritillary on Dartmoor were almost double from last year, while the heath fritillary population on the western edge of Dartmoor had the second highest count since weekly recording began in 1994. Counts of the heath fritillary in Exmoor were also very positive.

Weather isn’t the only factor, though. The Two Moors Threatened Butterfly Project, lead by Butterfly Conservation in partnership with Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park Authorities, Natural England and the Environment Agency, has been working with landowners and land managers over the past four years to carry out management works to improve the butterflies’ habitat. Ideal habitat management for the butterfly is achieved through traditional farming practices, such as light grazing.

Jenny Plackett, Butterfly Conservation’s Project Officer, said “The marsh fritillary is one of Britain’s rarest butterflies, so it’s fantastic that this species seems to be making a real recovery on Dartmoor and Exmoor. The landowners are working really hard to improve conditions on their land for the butterfly, and it’s very encouraging that their efforts are now showing such positive results.”

Photo: Marsh fritillary by Norman Baldock, Dartmoor National Park Authority

•a new 12-mile Tree Trail around Bollington, with 10 circular walks taking in 11 ancient woodlands. This is part of the “Walking for Health” initiative set up by the Bridgend Community Centre, and much of the work will be done by volunteers from the centre.

•the Hayfield Community Orchard Project, organised by Hayfield Parish Council, which aims to create a series of village orchards, involving schoolchildren and youth groups in their cultivation. The youngsters will learn new skills, the trees will help absorb greenhouse gases, and the fruit will help promote healthy eating and local food-sourcing.

•the cleverly-named Off-Peak Energy, a new not-for-profit company which is hoping to develop a local wood-fuel supply-chain for environmentally-friendly boilers. It will organise a group of local growers and produced wood-chip from woodlands managed for biodiversity and recreation.

•Priestley Farmers and Haulage Contractors, who collect hay-meadow seed from high-quality sites in the Peak District National Park. The seed will be used for hay-meadow enhancement projects throughout the Peak District. Hay-meadows – which provide diverse habitats for wild flowers, insects, birds and mammals – have dwindled drastically in the past 50 years.

“These projects are living proof that Peak District communities are serious about looking after their environment” says Harry Bowell, chair of the fund’s independent allocation panel. “It’s particularly heartening to see them getting young people involved to ensure a brighter long-term future. We’re glad to be able to offer support to such vital projects.”

For more, visit www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/sdf

Photo: Walkers in Hayfield, c/o the Peak District National Park Authority.

To prevent history repeating itself, visit the RSPB’s microsite to learn more and sign their pledge. You will also receive a free copy of their Birds of prey booklet for your support.

Photo: Forestry Commission