This year has been regularly described as a ‘bumper year’ in the UK. Apple trees and plum trees were laden with fruit. There are also masses of acorns this autumn, and the year is being referred to as a ‘mast year’.

I had never heard the term until recently.  According to the Woodland Trust, “Every few years, some species of trees and shrubs produce a bumper crop of their fruits or nuts. The collective term for these fruits and nuts is ‘mast’, so we call this a mast year.’

The amount of acorns and beech nuts produced apparently varies widely each year from very few to huge amounts carpeting the woodland floor. It all seems to be part of the complex balance of nature. More acorns means more food for the jays and mice, and more saplings. Fewer acorns means less food, which keeps the population of acorn-eaters under control. It is wonderful to learn how nature balances itself and how everything interacts and plays a part – at least until humans start interfering!

These acorns were particularly long. I enjoyed drawing theacorns’ rough little hats against the smooth nuts.