I have been reading the letters about daffodils on North Hill with a mixture of bemusement and disappointment. We seem to be overwhelmed by self appointed arbiters of taste.

Perhaps, before they pontificate about what is natural or native or the way things should be, they should explore their own gardens first and see how many non-native species of plants they are playing host to.

It is also very possible that no-one planted these bulbs and we could be looking at the food larders of squirrels that have raided gardens lower down the hill.

The British Isles contain many non-native, introduced species that have, over many centuries in some cases, shaped our environment and added an enormous amount of value as they have become naturalised.

The London plane introduced from Spain; the horse chestnut, native to the Balkans; the sweet chestnut, native to southern Europe and western Asia; the European larch, introduced 17th century; the rhododendron, from Asia and North American - I could go on.

Perhaps we should simply enjoy the understated beauty of these flowers and calm down.

Ian Atkinson, Woodcombe.