CARPETS of sapphire blue are covering woodland floors in Northwich thanks to a project to bring bluebells back.

Hundreds of native bluebell bulbs have been planted in Cheshire Wildlife Trust's  two-year conservation scheme.

The Bringing Bluebells Back project has been funded by chemicals manufacturer INEOS Enterprises through its Landfill Communities Fund.

Led by Sarah Bennett, conservation manager, the trust has worked with RECORD, The Mersey Forest and Barrowmore Estate to plant the bulbs in a bid to save and restore this declining plant.

Sarah said: “The native English bluebell has suffered a real decline across the UK due to all manner of threats such as loss of woodland habitat, bulbs being dug up for sale, damage to leaves caused by trampling, and hybridisation with the non-native Spanish bluebell.

“This project has really helped people to understand, appreciate and enjoy the importance of the English bluebell and helped to safeguard its future.

“It has been fantastic to see people taking such an active part in bluebell conservation.

"Not only have they helped us to plant bulbs in up to 10 woodlands across the county, but by surveying for bluebells and collecting their seeds too, they are helping to maintain the bluebell conservation cycle."

Janet Ward, INEOS Enterprises’ community relations manager, said: “Bluebell carpets are such a beautiful sight and this project has played a vital role in securing the future of this native plant for local people to enjoy.

"We are delighted to have been able to support this project with funding from our Landfill Communities Fund.”