It is the best of times, it is the worst of times. The display of flowers in the churchyard this year is perhaps the best it’s ever been, but where are all the insects?

As I write this at the beginning of June, the weather forecast is saying that the cold North-East wind that we’ve had for about a month now is about to abate and that the temperature is going to rise – dramatically. The very hot summer that we had last year is not the best for insect life. The plants get so dehydrated that there is little or no new growth, and few fresh shoots for larvae to eat. So as a result, many starve. The impact on the population the following year can be severe. But the cold wet spring is not good either. In strong winds, butterflies and others cannot fly, so cannot find a mate to start the next generation. Butterflies can fly when the temperature is thirteen degrees or above: bees are a little hardier, but this spring has not been good for them either.

Much publicity was given in the media to the sighting in South London of a Black-veined White butterfly, a species which has been extinct in England for many years. Unfortunately, this is believed to be the result of captive-bred insects being released. Unless there is the right habitat for them, these creatures will simply die. If the right conditions are established first, then the butterflies will follow. One consequence of global warming is that we might see them return to this country in the near future: but they will only survive if they are enabled to come in of their own accord.

Which is why the wildflowers are so important. Again, these will grow best if allowed to develop themselves. Seeds will blow in from the surrounding countryside or be carried in by birds: those that are most suited to the soil conditions will flourish. This year has seen a magnificent display in the meadow area: on my last visit, I counted no fewer than 17 different species in bloom. Star of the show is perhaps the Germander Speedwell, which formed a brilliant blue carpet in the middle of the meadow. Creeping cinquefoil is a low growing plant with bright yellow flowers similar to buttercups, while Cat’s Ear and Mouse-eared Hawkweed have longer stems and orange or lemon-yellow flowers.

I could go on: but please do enjoy it for yourselves, at any time, whatever the weather.