I tend to count winter as starting today, at the beginning of December. In reality, the seasons merge into one another; some trees are still dressed in colourful leaves but winter is definitely making its presence felt.

Something that did strike me yesterday as I cycled to work was the volume of falling leaves despite the lack of a strong breeze. More specifically, it was falling oak leaves that were showering down at several points along the way. I wonder if particular combinations of light and temperature tend to impact different species in predictable ways? It isn’t a pattern I have been aware of but, although it is getting a bit late this season, it is one I will look out for in future.