Daffodils

“Joncils”

The small wild daffodils grow freely in many fields and the surrounding woods and can be enjoyed on the circular ‘Daffodil way’ footpath covering approximately eight miles. The daffodils may be seen from the roads between Newent and Dymock which pass through the village of Kempley. Local maps are available from the village hall showing the sites of specific interest where daffodil fields can be seen.

Many years ago, the daffodils were picked by local children and sent by train from Gloucester to London for the hospitals and to be sold in the markets. Each bunch had to have the same number of flowers and leaves and were tied with raffia.

Several of the fields around the village are carpeted with daffodils and are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Unlike cultivated daffodils, the wild daffodils propagate from seed taking about 4 years to reach the flowering stage; they then flower again for another 2 or 3 years. It is therefore important not to cut the grass until the flowers have seeded and the seeds have matured - usually late June or early July.

The Wild Daffodil Project

A Community Project marshalling the support of all the UK Countryside Agencies and the Voluntary Sector to improve the habitats for the native daffodil unique to the Golden Triangle region on the Gloucestershire/Herefordshire borders.

Find the latest information on the Wild Daffodil Project here:

www.dyfra.org

More information can be found here:

Kempley Tardis