Standing on the railway station platform this morning, there was a clear sky and light on the horizon. This is the first time this year where there has been more than a smudge of dawn and today there is even an orange hue beneath the growing turquoise.

Not only a the light returning but so far are the sounds of birds. It might be just below freezing but the robins, blackbird and thrushes are all singing their dawn chorus – another first for me this year.