WELL, some readers might say, Britain’s butterflies look like they’ve made a fool out of that Annie Riddle.

Barely a month ago there she was, lamenting their absence from her garden. But look, they’re all over the place!

And it’s true the hot spell has brought them out in force.

Even so, they are still in big trouble nationally.

Last year was the seventh worst on record for butterflies in Britain, and for two species, the grayling and grizzled skipper, the worst since records began.

Seven of the worst 10 years for butterflies have occurred this century.

The charity Butterfly Conservation says habitat destruction is the main cause.

So these lovely creatures will decline still further if our planning authorities continue to allow development on designated wildlife sites.

Luckily, for the time being we can all enjoy the 17 species (not to mention the birds and the fantastic display of wild flowers) that thrive on one such site, the Lime Kiln Way meadow in Harnham, lovingly tended by a dedicated group of volunteers who’ve worked hard at carrying out habitat improvements.

It’s a beautiful spot, and I heartily recommend a family walk in the sunshine there as a perfect way to enjoy our wonderful summer weather.

Care home costs

Further to last week’s column about care home finances, a reader has kindly informed me that she was recently quoted £1,200 a week for a place at Laverstock Care Centre.

Wiltshire Council’s block booking of half the places at this home, which has been placed into special measures by the Care Quality Commission, costs it (i.e. taxpayers) £735 per resident per week.

I understand that public finances are tight, but this is obviously an unrealistic figure, and means that the ‘self-funders’, are paying way too much, because the true running cost must lie halfway between these figures.

To bring about a serious improvement in standards and take better care of the staff, too, it ought to be higher than that.

Once again, I’ll stress that I’m not singling out this particular home. I’m sure the problem applies across the sector.

There really is only one way forward, and that’s for the NHS to take over the provision of care for all our vulnerable elderly people, funded from general taxation, so that everyone gets the same fair deal. We’ll all be old one day.

Tourist info protest

This column being in the nature of a general catch-up, I thought I’d point out that the online petition to stop Salisbury’s tourist information centre being moved to the Maltings car park has attracted more than 4,500 signatures.

On Monday evening, city councillors will vote on whether to fund this silly idea. I wonder whether they will heed the public’s clearly expressed view?

n PS. I’m not ignoring the Novichok tragedy, but I have a column about it on the Journal website, so I can update it as events dictate.

anneriddle36@gmail.com