Update

Thanks to Alistair, we can add more names to the list of plants to be found on the meadow in addition to those identified in the photographs uploaded today:

Germander Speedwell
Dovesfoot Cranesbill

Also, there is a distinction to be made between the Creeping Thistle and the Spear Thistle (the Spear is the one featuring in my photographs of insects on thistles).  The Creeping Thistle is invasive and needs controlling or it will crowd out other plants.  Alistair suggested I do this by cutting the thistles before they go to seed for a couple of years. The Spear is much less invasive (and much more attractive).  However, they are both beneficial to bees, butterflies and other insects, so I will be keeping some patches of Creeping Thistle, as well as the statuesque Spears.