If you’re looking for a ‘hotspot’ in the churchyard at which to see the greatest possible number of species in the shortest possible time, head straight for the Buddleia bush. This is the large bush with purple flowers in the South-East corner. You will be guided to it by its scent – a lovely honey scent that will lead not only you there but also many different species of insect. Sometimes called the ‘butterfly bush’, you may see five or more different species there at any one time.

There are many other flowers blooming at this time of year. As they become more established and spread over larger areas, so it appears they are being discovered by more insects. A welcome addition this month was the Humming-Bird Hawk Moth. This small, orange-coloured moth flies by day and in the early evening. Instead of landing on a plant to feed, it hovers in front of the bloom with incredibly fast wing beats – hence its name – and feeds, like other moths and butterflies, by inserting its proboscis into the flower. I have seen it this month by the Ladies’ Bedstraw, another beautifully scented plant with frothy yellow flowers, on which it also lays its eggs.

Can I urge you to take part again in the Big Butterfly Count this year. This is a nationwide citizen science survey aimed at helping assess the health of our environment: it is the world’s largest survey of butterflies. Because of the large numbers taking part – over 64,000 last year who submitted nearly 100,000 records – this gives an important indication of which species are declining and which are flourishing. This in turn allows conservation activity to be targeted to those most in need. To take part, download the free app. Then simply count butterflies for 15 minutes in a bright – preferably sunny – spot and submit your record. The Count has started now and runs until Sunday 10th August.

Finally, a call for volunteers to help with cutting and clearing the area towards the end of summer. A number of us go along armed with scythes and strimmers to cut all the grass, which is then raked up and removed from the site. This last is very important, so that the cut grass does not simply compost down into the soil and increase its fertility, which would encourage the growth of more grasses: these in turn swamp the more delicate wild flowers on which insects depend. Anyone who is willing to help, please email me as below. I will be in touch when we coordinate dates. Any help, even if only for a short time, is most welcome.

Nigel Symington
Nigel.symington@gmail.com