This autumn, you may notice an unusually large number of acorns scattered under every oak tree. This isn’t a figment of your imagination; it’s a natural occurrence known as a mast year, and it’s currently taking place across the UK.
A mast year is a biological event in which certain tree species, notably oaks and beeches, produce a significantly larger crop of seeds in unison. It’s not just a minor increase; during a mast year, an oak tree can shed thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, more acorns than usual.
These abundant harvests are followed by years of much lower, or even negligible, acorn production. This fluctuation is a smart and ancient evolutionary tactic.
yo im sure the apple bread is lovely… but if you knew me irl you would never suggest I invite my friends over for a baking night, I assure you. not exactly my lane… I still havent cleaned up the broken glass bottle from outside my front door from the other night
wifeo makes a few pies at thanksgiving (we’re in ireland for a long time but she’s seemingly happy to have been roped into making the meal)