Arlington Bluebell Walk Blog

Bluebell Fact Sheet

Tim — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:22:55 +0000

Most bluebells are found in ancient woodland where the rich habitat supports a whole host of species. Ancient woodland includes woods from the 17th century and some may even be remnants of the original wildwood that covered Britain after the last Ice Age.

The bluebell is a protected species in UK law.

Cross-breeding between the English (native) and Spanish species of bluebell means it is possible for some flowers to include traits from both. However you will only find native English bluebells in our wood!

Bluebells contain at least 15 biologically active compounds that may provide them with protection against insects and animals.

Certain extracts – water-soluble alkaloids – are similar to compounds tested for use in combating HIV and cancer.

The bulbs of bluebells are used in folk medicine as a diuretic or styptic, while the sap can be used as an adhesive.

The Blue Bell – Emily Bronte
First verse
“The blue bell is the sweetest flower
That waves in summer air;
Its blossoms have the mightiest power
To soothe my spirit’s care. “

Unusual bluebell facts

In the Bronze Age, people used bluebell glue to attach feathers to their arrows
The Victorians used the starch from crushed bluebells to stiffen the ruffs of their collars and sleeves
Bluebell sap was used to bind pages to the spines of books
Legend also says that a field of bluebells is intricately woven with fairy enchantments
Bees can ‘steal’ nectar from bluebells by biting a hole in the bottom of the bell, reaching the nectar without pollinating the flower.

Update 11th May 2012

Tim — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:52:55 +0000

The bluebells now look fabulous and with this cold weather, will last until we close. Currently the paths are muddy so please bring appropriate footware!

Update 4th May 2012

Tim — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:37:52 +0000

Bluebells are now coming up to their best, giving that beautiful blue carpet throughout the wood. The cold weather means the bluebells will last, but the wet weather means appropriate footware !

Update 27th April 2012

Tim — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:22:46 +0000

At last beginning to see the blue haze through the wood as more bluebells come into flower. Still the white wood anemones present; until they are over bluebells will not be in their full glory.

Update 20th April 2012

Tim — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:16:13 +0000

Bluebells are very slowly emerging amongst the white wood anemones, giving us a blue and white effect over much of the Wood. Warm dry weather is desperately needed to speed the bluebell growth

Update 13th April 2012

Tim — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 07:25:07 +0000

White wood anemones still predominate amongst the background of the green carpet made by the leaves of slowly emerging bluebells. We need warmer weather to speed their growth!

Update 6th April 2012

Tim — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:38:55 +0000

The Bluebell Wood is a mass of white with the wood anemones and everything looks fresh and green. There is only just the odd bluebell out, but once the weather warms they will be there!

The Royal Sussex Trug

Tim — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 09:54:13 +0000

Thomas Smith, the original makers of the Royal Sussex Trug will be at the Bluebell Walk on Easter Bank holiday Monday.

Alongside Henry the Bodger they will provide a display and insight into ‘working with wood’. The Sussex Trug dates back to the 1820′s when Thomas Smith first adapted the idea of the solid Anglo Saxon ‘trog’ into the lightweight basket famous today. The new Trug was such a success that it received the Royal Warrant of Approval from Queen Victoria.

Originally based in Hertsmonceux, Sussex, the trugs are now made in Berwick, just down the road from the Bluebell Walk. They will be displaying the range of trugs by Millennium Walk leading to Beaton’s Wood. Here you will be able to see demonstrations and learn more of the history of trug making as well as buy the finished articles.

See Thomas Smith’s Trugs at Arlington Bluebell Walk
Tye Hill Road
East Sussex
BN26 6SH
Monday 9th April 10am – 5pm

Paint me a Bluebell 2012

Tim — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:42:11 +0000

Details of this year’s art competition run by Arlington Arts Group have just been announced.

Entries are invited on the theme “Paint me a Bluebell”. You have until March 31st 2012 to submit your artwork. The winners are then selected by visitors to the Bluebell Walk where copies of the work will be on display.

So, get those creative juices flowing

Full details on the Arlington Arts Group Blog

Photographic Competition 2011 – Results

Tim — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 10:42:06 +0000

A big thank you to everyone who sent in entries for the 2011 Arlington Bluebell Walk Photographic Competition. The prize winners are now displayed on the website on the gallery page.

Class A Winners

Class B Winners

Class C Winners