Dinas Powys woods named among best in Wales for bluebells

Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust in Wales) has warned that the sight of bluebells carpeting woodland floor is becoming increasingly rare.

The flowers usually bloom in April and May but can take at least five years to establish and colonise – with trampling by people and dogs risking serious damage.

An area made up of four woodlands in Dinas Powys among Coed Cadw’s top five bluebell woods across the country.

The Dinas Powys woodlands are:

• Cwm George Wood; 
• Casehill Wood;
• Pen-y-Turnpike Wood;
• Casehill Meadows.

This mix of planted ancient semi-natural woodland and more recent native planting is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including bluebells.

The other four great woodlands for bluebells in Wales are in Margam, Llangain, Bersham, and Guilsfield.

Coed Cadw Director Natalie Buttriss said:

“The spectacular sight of a bluebell-carpeted woodland is something everyone should have the chance to enjoy, and the early blooms provide an important source of pollen and nectar for emerging insects.

“Because large colonies can take so long to establish, they are often found in ancient woodlands.

“Sadly, in Wales, ancient woodland is rare; it covers only 4.5 per cent of the land surface - so the places which remain are extremely precious.

“It is vital for us to safeguard these areas and protect them, so that future generations can enjoy these important plants for years to come.”

When damaged, bluebell bulbs cannot produce enough energy to flower and reproduce in later years. Areas of high footfall can eventually cause entire colonies of these rare and delicate flowers to die out.

Carpets of bluebells (Picture: Rob Grange/Woodland Trust)

People visiting bluebell woods are asked to stick to proper paths and keep dogs on leads to avoid potentially destroying acres of blooms.

This advice is part of the Love Your Woods campaign which is encouraging people to protect woods and nature for the future.

Visitors can play their part by following some simple guidelines, including taking dog mess and litter home, and protecting wildlife by keeping dogs close. Find out more here.