Bluebell blanket is woodland wonder
Ancient Black Country woodland is awash with a sea of bluebells, creating a spectacular free spring show.
A warm spring has brought out the best display in the region for years.
Saltwells Nature Reserve in Netherton boasts one of the finest shows, thanks to traditional woodland management skills like coppicing across the 30-acre site.
In winter, deadwood is cleared from the woodland floor to help growth and the tree canopy is thinned to provide the correct amount of sunlight. Experts at the site say the number of bluebells indicates that the beauty spot's history dates back hundreds of years as they only thrive in established woodlands.
Assistant warden Karen Hooman, aged 25, said: "The woodland here is a blanket of blue at the moment. It is an amazing sight for anyone walking around. As soon as you walk into the woods you can smell the bluebells – it is a really glorious smell."
Wild Garlic and flowers such as Yellow Archangel can also be found nestled throughout the bluebell wood.
The expanses of bluebells are a rare and threatened sight. The UK's bluebell woods are internationally important and represent 20 per cent of the world's total number of bluebells. Saltwells Wood was planted by Lady Dudley in the 18th century to hide the scars of coal mining.
The descendants of the oak and beech still survive and are home to many species of woodland bird, such as Treecreeper, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Within the wood is Doulton's Claypit with spectacular cliffs showing a section through the rocks of the middle and lower coal measures.
Abandoned in the 1940's, the claypit has been reclaimed by nature and has unusual plants including hundreds of Common Spotted and Southern Marsh Orchids.
South of the wood, around the chainmakers' hamlet of Mushroom Green, is an area of scrubland and meadow, plus a large reedswamp which provides a safe refuge for winter birds like Water Rail, Snipe and Teal.
The nature reserve has received a Centre of Excellence award by the Forestry Authority for woodland management.
The wardens are hosting two one-hour bluebell walks through Saltwells Wood at the end of April on Tuesday starting at 1pm and Thursday from 10am. Walkers should meet at the car park off Coppice Lane, Quarry Bank. For details contact 01384 812795.