SPRING is finally underway which means bluebells start to flower.

As part of an appeal to raise �36,000 to protect rare plants and animals, The Wildlife Trust is holding walks in its three special bluebell woods in Huntingdonshire and two others in Cambridgeshire.

The trust needs around �20,000 a year to maintain its wood in order for bluebells, bats, and birds, as well as the rare adders’ tongue fern and the goldilocks buttercup, to flourish.

The guided walks start at Waresley and Gransden on April 21 between 10am and 4pm, in Brampton Wood on April 22, at 10.30am, in Upwood Meadow and Lady’s Wood, Great Fen, on April 25 and 28 at 10am, in Gault Wood on April 29 at 2.30pm, and in Thorpe Wood on April 29 between 11am and 3pm.

• THE Hunts Post has teamed up with the Wildlife Trust for a photographic competition – and the chance of winning a year’s membership to the trust. A runner-up will be treated to a Wildlife Trust training workshop.

An under-14s winner will also be chosen and will win a year’s subscription to the Junior Watch Scheme.

To enter, simply upload your photographs of bluebells in Huntingdonshire to www.iwitness24.co.uk and include your name, age and daytime telephone number. Entries must be uploaded by Wednesday, May 2. Usual Archant competition rules apply.

INFORMATION: Walks are free but a donations �6 per adult is suggested.

For more details visit www.wildlifebcn.org. To donate money to the trust visit www.justgiving.com/The-Wildlife-Trust-Woodland-Appeal