Eye On Nature

Some 60 years ago I planted a bluebell bulb on the grave of my much-loved dog. They have blossomed every year since, and this year there is a lovely bunch of bluebells on the site. Is this unusual?

Finbarr O'Brien, Blarney, Co Cork

Bluebells multiply and drifts of them have endured for centuries in ancient woods.

For many years I collected acorns. But for the past two years there hasn't been one. What is the reason?

Jim Houston, Barndarrig, Co Wicklow

A heavy seed crop will exhaust a tree and it may not produce flowers for two or three years while it rebuilds its reserves. This is common in oaks, although it would seem that all your oaks are taking time off together. A poor summer will also delay the building up of reserves.

Of note this winter was the large movement of sand on the south- and south-east-facing beaches in Derrynane, and the very large amount of turf exposed, including roots of trees. Also, there appears to be more sand under the turf, visible on some, where the seas have exposed the lower sections.

David O'Mahony, Caherdaniel, Co Kerry

Many western coastal sites show the same kind of layering where the sea has advanced over and retreated from the land at various times over the millennia. Sometimes there are several alternating layers.

Eye on Nature is edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. E-mail: viney@anu.ie E-mails should include a postal address. Please do not send attachments.