Doom-mongers predicted a gloomy summer for butterflies with early emergence threatened by the frostiest April on record then strong winds and heavy rain in May.

Any that made it onto the wing faced being wiped out quickly by cold and wet weather. This also delayed vital food plants coming into flower.

With sunshine finally warming the countryside by mid-June it was time for an excursion to check butterfly numbers so photographer Jim Butler and I settled on Polhill Bank , a new destination for both of us.

This four-hectare Kent Wildlife Trust reserve of chalk grassland lies on south-east facing hillside approached from a footpath beside a furniture company HQ which was once The Polhill Arms on the A224 between Orpington and Sevenoaks.

It’s slightly disconcerting when the path crosses a footbridge feet above six lanes of roaring M25 traffic. The path then descends sharply through trees before reaching a hillside which not only masks traffic noise but also allows amazing views of fields and farms across the wooded Darenth Valley towards Shoreham and Sevenoaks.

Wild Things: A sharp drop in insect populations

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Large Skipper by Jim Butler

I was still goggling at the vista when Jim spotted our first butterfly, a Meadow Brown. Long grass, wild flowers and scrub attracted others, too. Small Heaths were abundant and we were pleased to discover Large, Dingy and Grizzled Skippers. Cuckoo, Buzzard and a Green Woodpecker called and a Hobby flew over as we also logged Common Blues, Brimstones and Speckled Wood. A Common Lizard scuttled undercover but we were unable to name a green grasshopper.

Debate about a Burnet Moth’s exact identity was settled by later scrutiny of Jim’s pictures which confirmed a Narrow Bordered rather than Five-spot. There were at least four Burnet Companions.

We met no-one until we struggled back, gasping, up the steep path when a runner passed us totally untroubled by the slope and wished us good morning without breaking stride. Show off.

Wild Things: A life off the ground

Our second destination at nearby Fackenden Down produced more of the species already seen plus Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue and an excellent Small Blue.

This 14-hectare reserve boasted an impressive array of orchids including Pyramidal and Fragrant.

By about 2.30pm the temperature passed 25C and we retired convinced that there were indeed fewer butterflies than usual but they may just be making a comeback.