The British crawl into summer is a tentative one as usual, with Atlantic weather systems bringing heavy cloud and rain sweeping across our island. 

But there has been – and will be – sunshine and long days. With it comes carpets of wild flowers, golden favourites that are humble, plentiful and beautiful.

Cascades of buttercups, plump pillows of dandelions lead the pack. Can they really tell if you’re a fan of butter? Do they make you wet the bed? I doubt it. But well worth lying in the grass to photograph.

Click first image to launch the gallery