The Scottish Bulb Collection Code

The countryside is a working Bluebells environment. Please be aware of As well as the native bluebell ( your own safety and follow the non scripta), the Spanish bluebell Scottish Outdoor Access Code. (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is found in Scottish woodlands. The Spanish It is an offence to uproot any bluebell inter-breeds easily with the native wild without the permission bluebell and this and its hybrids of the landowner, therefore, in (Hyacinthoides x. massartiana) may be accordance with the law and as gradually replacing our native bluebell. It can be very diffi cult to tell the difference between a matter of courtesy, make sure these different species, though scientists you receive permission before are currently working on methods to tell collecting bulbs. them apart. Please be aware that if you do collect bluebell bulbs or and plant them You can help to maintain the natural elsewhere you may be contributing to the environment by respecting these spread of the Spanish and hybrid bluebell. guidelines and only taking what you Therefore we ask that at present, you enjoy need. the bluebells where you fi nd them in the woods and do not collect bulbs or seed. If you see evidence that other The native bluebell is protected by a special harvesters have not been following these listing on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and guidelines, please report it to your local Countryside Act, which makes it illegal to Police and ask to speak to the Wildlife gather them for commercial purposes without Crime Offi cer. a licence from the Scottish Executive. The Scottish Bulb Collection Code

Please consider the following general points when collecting bulbs. This code was created by a group Where to collect representing the interests of Please consult with the land manager who will help you to choose a conservation suitable place, where there has been no recent harvesting. organisations, land managers and bulb Please avoid areas designated for nature conservation such as Sites harvesters and buyers. of Special Scientifi c Interest and nature reserves. The creation of the How to collect code was funded by Scottish Enterprise, the Bulbs should be collected using hand tools. Carefully take densest Forestry Commission, clumps of bulbs, replanting the bulblets which will fall as you take the Scottish Natural clump out. These bulblets will carry on growing. Heritage and the Scottish Forestry Trust. Only collect a quarter of what is present so that the bulbs can regrow and so that others can enjoy the fl owers in future years. Please do not collect from the same patch for fi ve years. This will allow time for the remaining bulbs to recover and spread again. What to collect Bulbs should be collected after the fl owers have died down. In order to be sure of what you will be collecting you will need to visit the place during fl owering. To fi nd out more (including a key for bluebell identifi cation) go to www.forestharvest.org.uk

Photography: Lorne Gill/SNH