Bluebells in the woods

Although it is a little early in the season, I have decided this week to feature some photos of bluebells in the local woods (in Ceredigion). These were taken last year. I was prompted to show these photographs because, last week, I went for a walk in these woods and the plants are just starting to show. The green leaves have pushed up about 2 inches through the undergrowth and leaves. A sure sign that spring is on its way.

The first image above shows one of the paths leading through the wood, with large drifts of the bluebells either side. I find this to be a most attractive walk for much of the year, but in the spring when these plants are out it is just magical.

The second photograph shows a single clump of these flowers against a backdrop of more plants and trees. The British bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, (often referred to as the English bluebell, but as this is in Wales, it is better to call it British. However this plant in not normally seen in Scotland; for them the Scottish bluebell is known as a harebell in the south of the UK. Confusing eh?) is, to a certain extent, endangered because the imported Spanish bluebell has naturalised and is replacing it in many locations.



This third and final photograph shows a drift of bluebells in the dappled shade. Due to the limits of the photographic process (*), this colour is a poor imitation of the rich colour that you see when you view the plants in the wild.



More photographs can be seen in the environment gallery.

Technical details:
Camera: Canon EOS 350D
Lens: EFS 17-85mm IS.
Sensitivity: ISO200, Auto WB
Exposure: Typically 1/50 @ F14
Support: Either hand-held or using a monopod.

(*) I understand this is due to the fact that they reflect a lot in the near infra-red which is not visible to us, but is registered by as red by both film and digital sensors.