Earlier this year, I noticed bluebells were sprouting up when I was out for walks in Ruislip Woods. Excited about seeing the display, I went to check them out toward the end of April and then again in early May to check them out and to check out their progress. Since the weather has not been very warm this year, they have not come out early, and they are also staying around for longer. The woods does not have the bluebell scent, though; I think it's got to be warm for the fragrance to be released into the air. However, I did get glimpses of several pockets of bluebells in Park Wood, Ruislip Woods.
The bluebells grow in the woodland where there are gaps in the trees, before the foilage of the trees is fully out. They are really popular in Park Wood. This is my favourite part of Ruislip Woods. There is a short (approximately ten minute) walk to the lido from here.
If visiting the bluebells, do not trample them. They will die if trampled because the bulb needs the sun obtained through the leaves of the plant. If the plant is trampled, there is no food for the bulb, and it dies. They are very fragile. Unfortunately, I saw a few places where people and dogs had strayed into the middle of them and rolled around. I also saw a few ones on the path that someone had picked. It's actually illegal to pick them, so please don't. Keep them for others to enjoy.
Right before the bluebells were in full bloom and during this, I also discovered large patches of white flowers in the woods here. These are wood anemones.
Although still pretty in their own way, I preferred the bluebells.
After walking about ten minutes ahead in Park Wood, you come to an area of large trees where you can see the lido in the distance and buildings below, down a slight hill. This is one of the entrances to the lido. At the bottom of the hill is the beach, some climbing frames and play areas, a cafe, and Woody Bay train station for the railway.
I had a quick wander on the beach.
Then, I turned around and headed back enjoying the spring blossom and bluebells.
The bluebells in Ruislip Woods typically start to emerge in late April. Depending on the weather, they can be earlier or bloom a little later.
For more posts about Ruislip and Ruislip Woods on this blog:
Ruislip Woods - Park Wood
Ruislip Woods - Copse Wood and Poors Field
A Wintery Walk in Mad Bess Wood (Ruislip, West London)
A Snow Day in Ruislip
Visiting the Battle of Britain House Ruins in Ruislip Woods
Ruislip "Summer of 1939" Vintage Car Show
Ruislip Fairy Village
Easter in Ruislip (Easter Eggs & Duck Pond Markets)
Ruislip Lido Railway & Ruislip Woods Open Day
Leave a comment