Woodland areas become covered with bluebell carpets every spring

It is feared the Spanish version of the wild flower could be taking over from the native British species.

The Kent Wildlife Trust, based near Maidstone, is urging people who find the invader in their garden to dig them up to stop hybrid species growing.

Bluebell carpets are seen each year at places like Blue Bell Hill, Medway, and Arlington Blubell Walk, Sussex.

The Spanish bluebell has no scent, has a straighter stem and is paler in colour than the British one.

Cross-pollination

Richard Moyse from the Kent Wildlife Trust said: "Any Spanish varieties found in gardens close to bluebell woods should be dug up, dried out and then composted.

There is a possibility of hybrid bluebells being formed through cross-pollination of the different types."

Carolyn McCutchan who runs the Arlington Bluebell Walk said: "It would be a shame to see our wonderful woods spoilt... and it would be a loss to English nature."