AT A time when we are being urged to grow plants which help our declining populations of bees and butterflies it is inconceivable the National Trust is destroying the once magnificent wildflower meadow known as Heswall Field.

Five years ago at this time of year it was a breathtaking sight with masses of common wild flowers in bloom attracting many bees and colourful butterflies. It is now bare.

In spite of pleas to the organisation to change their mowing regime and cut after the main flowering period when the plants have set seed and the insects have built up essential fat reserves, they continue to cut early in the season The National Trust responds to criticism by saying it is out of their hands as they employ a contractor to mow at a time convenient to him.

It is difficult to believe they have no control but if this is the case surely the management could be handed over to the local Naturalists’ Trust or an organisation such as Buglife.

Valerie McFarland, Heswall