Paul Donovan on looking after the bluebells in Chalet Wood

Over recent years, more people have learnt of the bluebells, coming from far and wide to view the magnificent display.

The area where the bluebells grow has been carefully looked after by the City of London Corporation.

Working with local organisations like the Wren Group and Friends of Wanstead Park, they have ensured that there are clearly marked paths through the bluebells. There are also notice boards with information about the wood and how to behave when wandering through.

The vast number of people behave, sticking to the paths and enjoying the flowers.

A minority, though, don't. For them, barriers are ignored, so the flowers are trampled and crushed.

Some argue the publicity should be restricted, the secret of the wood restored. Fewer people would mean less damage.

This approach cannot be right, though. The bluebells and other features of the park must be shared with the wider population. 

Cllr Paul Donovan has been enjoying the bluebells in Chalet Wood One of the problems of the modern world is a disconnect with nature. People are living increasingly artificial lives, separate from nature. People have become unaware of the fulfilment nature brings as well as how dependent we all are on it to survive.

Humans are often cited as a problem, yet indigenous peoples across the planet have lived harmoniously with nature for centuries - they still do in many parts of the world.

The damage has come over recent times due to the destructive economic models adopted by human beings. 

This has destroyed the climate and biodiversity. Human beings have moved from being in partnership with nature to seeking to dominate and destroy it.

What is needed now is to get back to the partnership approach, recognising that human beings are but part of the mosaic of life. There needs to be respect for all elements of nature, not simply a push to exploit and dominate. 

To reach this point, there needs to be a mass reconnection. Part of this will involve people getting out in the likes of Chalet Wood to experience and enjoy the pleasure of the bluebells.

Yes, some need to show more respect, but that will come with time.

Seeking to lock away the wonders of nature is no answer and will only perpetuate the non-thinking, destructive path the world has been taking for so long.

So come and enjoy the bluebells, but watch where you tread and take your rubbish home.

• Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).