News from Wickham Common and Spring Park

As Wickham Common and Spring Park are right on our doorstep, we’re sharing the latest news from their newsletter. It’s got important information about how to help protect the bluebells while they’re (almost) in their prime, and how to prevent wildfires – which have been becoming a problem in the drier weather over the last few years…

Seasonal spotlight: bluebells

If you’ve taken a stroll through Spring Park recently [or Well Wood!], you may have been treated to one of nature’s most breathtaking displays—the vibrant, shimmering blue carpets of native bluebells stretching out beneath the woodland canopy.

These delicate flowers (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are more than just a beautiful sight; they’re a powerful indicator of ancient woodland. Bluebells thrive in undisturbed soils, meaning their presence often signals that the land has been continuously wooded for at least 400 years.

Native bluebells are protected under UK law, and their survival is threatened by trampling, habitat loss, and hybridisation with non-native Spanish bluebells. That’s why it’s important to admire them from the paths and avoid stepping into the blooms—every bulb takes years to establish and can be damaged by a single footprint.

The bluebell season is short-lived, typically peaking in late April and fading by mid-May. So if you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to take a peaceful walk under the trees and witness one of the surest signs that spring has truly arrived.

Be fire aware this spring

As spring brings warmer and drier weather to West Wickham Common and Spring Park, the risk of wildfires increases significantly. May, in particular, can be a high-risk period due to the combination of dry ground cover, dead vegetation, and seasonal winds. With little to no rain and more dry weather expected, we need to be alert to the possibility of fire.

We kindly remind all visitors that barbecues and open fires are strictly prohibited anywhere on the Commons. Even a small spark can lead to a devastating fire that threatens local wildlife, habitats, and the safety of other visitors.

To help keep the Commons safe:

Do not use BBQs or light any fires.
Dispose of all rubbish responsibly—especially glass, which can magnify sunlight and ignite dry grass.
Never discard cigarettes or matches on the ground.

Your cooperation plays a vital role in protecting these cherished green spaces. If you see signs of fire or smoke, please call 999 immediately and let the emergency services know. Once the emergency services are alerted, please inform the Rangers (01372 279488).

Thank you for helping us keep West Wickham Common and Spring Park safe for everyone this spring.

Just like our volunteers at Well Wood, it’s volunteers at Wickham Common that help to keep it a great place for visitors and wildlife alike. Last month the group joined forces with the Ranger to install a new set of steps, improving access to the Common from Gates Green Road and making it safer and easier for everyone.

If you’d like to volunteer, the next session is Friday 30 May, 10am to 2pm. Please email them and go along to find out more.