The native Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is flowering early this year. So today I did one of my favourite Bluebell walks. I started at St. Paul's Walden- with a pint at the Strathmore Arms. Then I followed a stretch of the Chiltern Way to Hitch Wood then passed through the village of Preston to Wain Wood then through the fields to Hitchin. Both woods are noted for their Bluebells.

 In fact I was particularly intrigued by a smaller pocket of woodland on the Way between St. Paul's Walden and Hill End Chalk Pit. A week or two can make a big difference in the wildflower calendar. Ordinarily I do this walk in late April/early May. Because I was a bit earlier than usual I discovered this locale is also a Wood Anemone wood. Anemone nemerosa flowers a month or so before the Bluebells and is usually fading by the time they appear. 

 That was a great find because I have assumed up till now that Wood Anemones are not widespread or abundant in the area. Like Bluebells they are a woodland species but they need light. Open woodland, sunlit glades and coppiced woods are ideal for them. Bluebells can cope with deeper shade so Wood Anemones do not feature in every Bluebell wood. Nonetheless they co-exist if the habitat is right for both.