Bluebell's best

The fragrant bluebell has been unveiled by Plantlife International as the UK's favourite wild flower. The announcement follows months of voting in the County Flowers project, during which people were asked to select a wild flower to represent their county. The Bluebell topped the poll in almost 20 different counties.

'The popularity of the bluebell is well deserved,' commented Susan Bell, Chief Executive, National Forest Company. 'A native to British woodlands, this beautiful flower is threatened by an influx of its Spanish counterpart. It is one of seven selected species that feature in the Forest's Biodiversity Action Plan, and its protection is therefore a high priority in the development of the Forest. We have promoted bluebell planting on over 30 new National Forest Tender Scheme sites, normally when the trees are four or five years old and provide the necessary shade. The bluebell woods we already have attract many visitors and with this news of the flower's popularity throughout the nation, we have another reason to welcome visitors from near and far.'

May is the time to get out and see bluebells at their best - our Visit National Forest section of this website has details of bluebell walks throughout the Forest.