“So, what if I was to tell you that a winter’s walk not only has the potential to reveal the folkloric customs of elves and witches, but may also present you with the unusual entities of frozen cat’s tongues and yellow brains?”

“After a short while, it slid clumsily down the rock face. Wondering if this would be the moment, we watched in anticipation. The pup quickly provided us with an answer by bounding straight over to the next rock pool, which was subsequently followed by more flapping and clapping. Clearly not quite ready to take the plunge just yet, but at least it was enjoying itself.”

“Many of us will instantaneously associate the autumn months with colour, and most of the time this is referring to the ever changing leaf shades as the green pigments of chlorophyll production begin to wane. Alternatively, this time of year also brings a somewhat rarer myriad of tints and tones, in the form of a very unique genus of fungi - Hygrocybe, also known as waxcaps.”

“The oak is a symbol, an icon and the true fabric of why I believe trees to be the most perfect example of life on earth. Trees like the oak aren’t just mere wood and leaf, they are an animation of existence entirely in their own right.”

“So what would my focus now be to mark the beginning of summer? Something I had already began to explore during the spring months; finding treasure. Wild treasure. Mother Nature’s bounty.”

“Rumour has it that they will pilfer hay from a farmer’s field in aid of a new mattress, although I am sure such an endearing animal would never partake in such an unruly act.”