This diary is sometimes critical of arable monocultures but a vista of rolling wheat fields has a kind of grandeur, particularly at this time of year. And we need bread after all -and electricity.

 Actually I've always liked the sight of pylons crossing the landscape. I read an article recently about the new generation of pylons which are said to be more discreet; basically a white column with a couple of arms for the cables. Ugly as sin in my opinion whereas the classic pylon is one of the great icons of modernism.

 Monocultures are not great for wildlife needless to say. However the hedge line alongside the track had a welcome abundance of wildflowers. There were plenty of bumblebees foraging along its length and a good many butterflies.