Safe and sound in the Bluebells

It's quiet here and in spite of the proximity to the road, it remains wild. Darker than usual, fresh leaves block the sky. At dusk the light filters through at a rakish angle making long shadows and spotlighting the little blue flowers I have come to see. 

To get to the woods I have to hop a few walls and climb down a steep hill of rocks and young trees. Every time it's worth it. Changes take place over these few weeks, and yet fundamentally everything remains the same over so many years.....

It can be spooky in the woods. It's isolated and I feel vulnerable in these lonely places. But a camera is a companion, and although I am a bit rushed by my caution, time passes and I soon forget the rest of the world.

To be safe and sound, is what we each crave.

~ In the bluebell wood ~

It's quiet here and in spite of the proximity to the road, it remains wild. Darker than usual, fresh leaves block the sky. At dusk the light fliters through at a rakish angle making long shadows and spotlighting the little blue flowers I have come to see. 

To get to the woods I have to hop a few walls and climb down a steep hill of rocks and young trees. Every time it's worth it. Changes take place over these few weeks, and yet fundamentally everything remains the same over so many years.....

It can be spooky in the woods. It's isolated and I feel vulnerable in these lonely places. But a camera is a companion, and although I am a bit rushed by my caution, time passes and I soon forget the rest of the world.

June is the best month here, bright and new. I wish it would go on until at least November......





All these images are for sale here

Our wildflower gift to the next generation

Living in a protected wetland area I am constantly concerned about unwelcome and so called progress. One bit of progress I am delighted with though is the influence of the EU on habitat and species preservation. Older people around here have huge respect for the meandering landscape and it's evolvement over generations. Now our generation have responsibility for implementing conservation policies and we need to be equally sensitive and aware.

Recently, as agriculture grows in economic significance again, there are threats which could destroy the beauty and integrity of the country including land clearance, drainage, and over-grazing. The survival of sensitive areas now depends on current legislative protection.  I for one will be doing all I can to secure the future of these bluebells and other wildlife as an integral part of our exceptional and beautiful rural environment by supporting wilderness preservation.

Bluebells are not yet protected in Ireland but it is believed that they have declined in numbers due to excessive picking and the erosion of woodlands. What an uplifting sight they are every year at this time reminding us all of of childhood magic and the coming of summer. It's up to us to make sure that we can pass them on to future children and grandchildren.


Here is more information on Irelands endangered wildflowers.
Botanic Gardens