The Lakeland fells have been painted blue as colonies of bluebells spring up, check out our picture gallery of Rannerdale

The bluebell is one of England's favourite flowers, and May is the perfect time to seem them blooming in all their glory.

Rannerdale Knotts, a fell at the southern end of Crummock Water in the Buttermere Valley, is said to be one of the best places to see the flower in the country.

Bluebells grow in colonies which are established over many years, they usually grow in areas which were once ancient woodland and almost 50% of the worlds bluebells are found in the UK.

The flowers are protected, it can take years for colonies to repair themselves so for this reason it is illegal to intentionally damage or pick them. 

Last week, on a slightly moody Lake District day, Mountain Goat visited Rannerdale Knotts to take some photographs of the spectacular bluebell display. 

Locals said it was the best they have looked for over 30 years, so have a look through our picture gallery at the top to see the beautiful flowers in one of the most spectacular places on Earth.