Taking the hound – George, the rescue greyhound, on his much enjoyed sniffathons at this time of year is characterised by “plops”. By oak trees, that is, and usually on the opposite bank. Got the clue? Falling acorns.

But not this year. No plops at all. The year has passed and as with each year it is different. The wet periods have been replaced by dry, the dry periods in turn have been replaced by damp conditions. The snow hasn’t fallen properly of latter years and perishing periods of minus temperatures haven’t matured.

So whatever it takes to produce luscious ploppy acorns hasn’t happened. Now that the Redwings, Fieldfares and European Blackbirds are here also highlights the absence of Hawthorne and holly berries. Lots of hungry birds this winter.