Early May means one thing in my head: bluebells.
There’s a few options I know of, and have been quite fortunate to view some extraordinary bluebell displays. However, one place in particular tugs on my desire strings more than others: Barkbooth Lot.
Gifted to the Cumbria Wildlife Trust through Mrs Sheila Caldwell’s Will in 1975, Barkbooth Lot supports a varied woodland floor where bracken and bilberry compete for dominance alongside carpets of bluebells. To encourage biodiversity, fallen and standing dead wood is deliberately retained, providing vital habitat for invertebrates and birds alike.
It’s a magical place, and so so quiet.
All photos taken on my iPhone 17 Pro Max. RAWs developed in Lightroom, then edited and finalised in Photoshop.
Barkbooth Lot, Lake District, Spring © 2026 by Ian Cylkowski is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
There’s something about moss-covered trees that gives me ancient eldritch unspoiled vibes.
Fallen trees from storms are left to form compelling shapes and angles. A haven for the area’s wildlife, and joy for the photographer’s eye.
Another fallen tree makes a lovely leading line into the light breaking through the woodland canopy.
A slither of light cuts through the canopy, illuminating this scene where trees — dead and alive — are slowly swallowed by a floor of bluebells.
Soft light and shadow pulls out the contouring of these twin trees, with branches daring to poke out from the carpet of bluebells.
This tree, cast in harsh shadow and light, put me in mind of a dancer striking a pose.
That wonderful period in spring where ferns start to grow and “unspool”.
One root system, a triplet of trunks. Here, the carpet of bluebells grows ever more dense.
Lisabet and me Dad stride on ahead, providing me and viewers with a sense of scale against all the trees and the volume of bluebells.
Using the 8x lens on the iPhone to really crop in tight on the beautiful light and textures on this fallen tree.
Another dead tree provides an intriguing composition for me and nutrients for its resident fungi.
My final shot of the day. Not only my favourite of the day, but probably my favourite bluebell photo ever.
