Many Old Princethorpians will have fond memories of bluebell season and the wonderful ancient woodland adjoining the Mile Walk that encircles the College grounds. At this special time of year the woods are carpeted with thousands of bluebells; their heady scent and intense colour truly dazzling to the senses.

We’re pleased to see the sheep back in the field by the drive accompanied by their lively new offspring, who are literally full of the joys of spring and our personal favourite the cows have taken up residence again in the field below Switzerland with two beautiful calves. It is so good to see nature carrying on as it has for generations in our beautiful setting.

Here are some fact about bluebells that you might enjoy:
1. The bluebell has many names: English bluebell, wild hyacinth, wood bell, bell bottle, Cuckoo’s Boots, Wood Hyacinth, Lady’s Nightcap and Witches’ Thimbles, Hyacinthoides non-scripta
2. It is against the law to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy bluebells
3. If you plant bluebells, you should make sure it's the English bluebell, not the Spanish version. This is a more vigorous plant and could out-compete our delicate native flower
4. Almost half the world's bluebells are found in the UK, they’re relatively rare in the rest of the world
5. Bluebell colonies take a long time to establish - around 5-7 years from seed to flower.
6. Bluebells can take years to recover after footfall damage. If a bluebell’s leaves are crushed, they die back from lack of food as the leaves cannot photosynthesise.