LAST year I mentioned that the cowslip was becoming more common. This year I have kept my eyes open and found the plant growing along motorway verges and on the sides of roads.

Twenty years ago a sight like this would have brought photographers in search of a rarity.

What has happened? There are, in my opinion, two main reasons. Firstly we now use far fewer chemicals and all flowers can survive. Even less dangerous sprays are used around busy roads.

Secondly many councils are hard up and they cut verges less often, but when they do control hedges and verges they are given more sensible advice.

Other species to benefit include meadow cranesbill, mayflower and dog rose.