MAY I implore City of York Council or whoever has responsibility for the Foss tow path within the city not to cut the river bank until the end of June.

Along this stretch one may delight in seeing up to eight species of butterfly, even at this early stage of the season.

Peacock and Tortoiseshell abound, gorgeous yellow Brimstones hurtle by; the delicate and delightful Orange Tip seeks out the Lady's Smock.

If you're lucky you may glimpse the breath-taking Holly Blue or the ragged winged Comma.

Many of these species require the nettles and thistles and flowering plants to breed and survive. To cut down this vegetation before the breeding cycle is complete will deprive us all of much pleasure.

Many wonder why we see many fewer butterflies than of yore - the remedy is in our hands.

J Allison

Updated: 10:16 Monday, April 29, 2002