IT may be tempting for some to pick bluebells this time of year - however, walkers are being warned it is illegal and could even land them with a fine.

The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has issued a warning to people thinking about picking bluebells this spring whilst out for a walk.

They have reminded people that bluebells are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the picking, uprooting or sale of any part of these plants is unlawful.

A spokesperson for the trust said: "We understand why people might wish to pick bluebells to take home but they have special protection for a reason as they have declined significantly in the UK and are much threatened both by the loss of their habitat and by hybridisation with the introduced Spanish bluebell.

"They’re not a flower that lasts long without wilting so they are much better appreciated in the wild where they belong".

There have been cases of people being fined for picking bluebells, with some being charged thousands of pounds.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust added: "We would ask that when people visit a remaining stronghold for bluebells, including our nature reserves and other bluebell-rich woodlands, that they admire them from paths and leave them where they are so that they can be appreciated by other visitors and by future generations to come.

"The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world so anything that we can do to help our native wildlife now will help it to recover and, hopefully, flourish, for years to come".

Visit Worcestershire recently named some of the best places to spot bluebells across the county this time of year, which includes Malvern Hills, Tiddesley Wood, Clent Hills, Uffmoor Wood and Shrawley Wood.