Presumably as a result of our lingering hot dry weather, the wildflowers at Aberbargoed Grasslands NNR were neither as prolific nor as exuberant as I’ve seen in previous years. The Bluebells had already gone over, the Heath spotted-orchids were looking as frazzled as I was soon feeling but there were some floral highlights I enjoyed seeing.

• Devil’s-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis)

• Marsh lousewort (Pedicularis palustris)

• Common Milkwort (Polygala vulgaris)

• Ragged-robin (Silene flos-cuculi) and butterfly friend (Small pearl-bordered fritillary)