Finally, after much huffing, puffing, pouring rain and false starts, winter has arrived, bringing with it the first proper frosts, some ice and a little snow.

This is fine and not only will it kill off a few undesirable bugs but some wild flower seeds such as those of primroses need to be frozen for a spell before they can germinate.

Any male frogs which began to stir during mild December will have gone back into hibernation at the bottom of ponds and most fish seek out deep holes and become less active except maybe for pike.

Now is the climax of the fox mating season and the wow-wow-wow barking of dog foxes and answering shrieks of vixens can be heard most nights especially when frosty, as sound carries further then and males can call to mates to locate or visit them from a distance.

The vixen is only receptive for about three days so males follow them relentlessly. One of my local foxes is a splendid large handsome animal somewhat resembling a corgi but with longer legs! (pictured).

Whatever people may think or say about foxes the fact remains that they certainly keep within limits vermin such as rats and mice that might otherwise plague our weekly rubbish bin nights.

Despite the cold, blackbirds are now beginning to sing at first light as they tune up for spring and chase each other disputing territories.

Crows too are perching near last years nests while parakeets have already chosen nest holes depriving native species of accommodation.