We were keen to return to Badbury Hill, a large Iron Age Hill Fort dating back to 600 BC. In the Dark Ages it is believed to have been a key battle site between the ancient Celtic people of Britain and the encroaching Anglo Saxons. Today, however, it is renowned for its carpets of native bluebells - Hyacinthoides non-scripta, and its tall military-straight beech trees. A circular walk rejoices in stunning views over the Upper Thames Valley and walks along wide avenues, nature's equivalent to urban boulevards, offer the walker spectacular carpets of bluebells.
Gazing skywards we spotted this squirrels drey made from last years fallen autumn beech leaves and twigs. We waited, and watched, hopefully, but no signs of life appeared. Apparently squirrels normally have two litters of young a year - one between February and March and the other between June and July. It appears that we were just too late or maybe too soon.
Unlike Spanish bluebells - Hyacinthoides hispanica, which have no scent, our native bluebells have a sweet delicate scent, which drifts around a bluebell wood on warm days.
The bluebells scent is similar to that of a Hyacinth but softer.
The bluebell is the sweetest flower
That waves in summer air;
Its blossoms have the mightiest power
To sooth my spirit's care.
Emily Jane Brontë
