Hedgehogs eat as much as possible during October and November to prepare for hibernation, as they need to weigh between 500-700 grams in order to have the best chance of survival. Once they have reached the appropriate weight, and the average temperature has dropped to around 5°C, hedgehogs will be on the hunt for the perfect hibernation spot. They may hibernate under compost heaps or under garden sheds or decking, and sometimes they will collect leaves and twigs to create the perfect hibernation spot.
 
Dormice begin to hibernate in tiny woven nests between October and November, and do not emerge until April. Nesting takes place under logs, moss or amongst dead leaves at the base of hedges; dormice will choose a moist place to hibernate so that they don’t become dehydrated (water vapor is lost as they breathe) and so their fat reserves will last longer.

During November, bats will hunt for appropriate hibernation spots, known as roosts. They will often choose underground caves, but can also roost in hollow trees, roofs and bat boxes, as long as the roosts are cool and remain at a constant temperature.  Bats are particularly well adapted to hibernation. They are able to slow their breathing to only five breaths a minute in order to reserve energy.

Other species, such as badgers, do not hibernate but enter a period of lower inactivity which is known as a state of torpor. Badgers will retreat into their setts during cycles of torpor that only last for around 29 hours and survive there without food when the weather is too harsh to venture outside. Other species that go into torpor include squirrels and amphibians.
 
And here is a term I've never come across before - Brumation:  a state of winter dormancy entered into by some cold-blooded animals as part of their normal annual rhythm. 
 

Yesterday I attended an event organised by the Great Western Air Ambulance charity (GWAAC).  It is something that they must have done for a while but it was only via email correspondence over the past month that I first heard of it.  As many of you know, the Air Ambulance attended my sister in March 2020 and since then I have raised some small funds for them by either selling seedlings and plants outside the cottage, and by promoting their work or campaigns in some way.

The "Celebration of Life" event  was sensitively organised, without wall-papering over the cracks or skirting the issue of death.  It was gentle and respectful and empathetic.

Below is a scan of the whys and wherefores which were printed on the back of the programme.  I think it explains the Sycamore / Forever Flying symbolism very well.

Having said that, I am my own worst enemy and can't switch off, can't sleep and worry too much. 

Don't you think it is interesting that what  the majority of us would refer to as a 'sicknote' from the doctor is actually called a  "Statement of Fitness for Work".  I have done a little research and this all changed in April 2010 and it has rather positive intentions,  According to the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) in advice to employers:

"Under the sick note system, doctors could only advise their patient on whether their health condition meant that they should or should not work. As a result many people who could benefit from support whilst in work, would be advised that they could not work. Their employers would not have had the opportunity to consider how they could help them achieve an earlier return to work. To help more people get the support they need to get back to work the new fit note system will mean that doctors can advise that your employee is either:

• unfit for work; or •
• may be fit for work.

A doctor will give a ‘may be fit for work’ Statement if they think that their patient’s health condition may allow them to work if they get suitable support from their employer. If an employee is too ill to work the doctor will advise this just like with the sick note. The changes are not about trying to get people back to work before they are ready, but about removing the challenges to them returning. This is about you and your employee working together and being open and honest. In general, work is good for health and the vast majority of employees place a far greater value on it than just their pay. By working together to find an arrangement that suits both of you, you can provide real benefits to both your employee and your business"

Makes sense.
​So, now you know!