Bluebells Outside The Garden Fence

Although none actually growing in the garden. Almost half the global population of bluebells is found in the U.K. Protected by Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) which prohibits anyone from digging them up from the countryside, which most people know about. One threat is cross breeding with non native bluebells. Known to have been in existence since at least 1600 AD, they are therefore  indicators of ancient woodlands. Sadly a lot of them gone. A glue obtained from the flower was used in sticking flights to arrow shafts and in book binding. They have been used in medicine although are poisonous if the bulbs are mistaken  for spring onions and eaten !