Tiptoe through the bluebells

Four intrepid Goodgymers braved a chilly morning at Childwall Woods to help protect a diminishing bluebell population. The 39 acre woodland is a designated Local Nature Reserve in the south east suburbs of Liverpool, with views overlooking the Lancashire and Cheshire plain.

A popular area for dog walking, cycling, tree climbing and taking in the air, Childwall Woods has a lot to offer: Take your children on a nature trail and explore the environment, including the Bluebell, marsh orchids and buttercups over the grasslands. Bats, grey squirrels, voles and foxes inhabit the area. Keep your eyes peeled for Kestrels, Sparrowhawks, Woodpeckers and Herons. Parks Friends Groups actively contribute to the upkeep of parks and activities.

With so much activity going on, year round, it is no surprise to find areas of the woodland laid bare. Sadly, the bluebells appear to have borne the brunt of the action, and this is where a small but enthusiastic team of volunteers come in. Carly and James, from TREES4kids, gave us a very warm welcome and explained the plight of the bluebells, which, of course, are a protected species. The plan is to plant a wide range of whips and saplings to create a physical barrier between the footpaths and the bluebells, to give protection, improve ground cover, and provide nuts and berries for the woodland wildlife for years to come.

After a slow start, more volunteers arrived and before long, we had planted several new areas with oak, hazel, holly, blackthorn and hawthorn saplings. Many visitors, walking through the woods, stopped to find out what was going on and several signed up to get involved in future events.

It is hoped that Goodgym and TREES4kids will combine forces again to further improve this beautiful woodland and help preserve it for generations to come.https://www.fcwf.org.uk/history-of-childwall-woods/