The official definition of fog, which I heard on the radio some years ago is if you cannot see over 1000 yards (913 metres) it is a fog but if you can see further it is mist! Whatever the official rule we seem to be getting more fogs at present, nothing compared to the pea 'soupers' we used to get in the 1960's when I was courting Mrs. T, and I was on a motorbike.

There is little or no wind when it is foggy and it blankets the countryside making it a slightly damp and mysterious place, especially at night. Sounds can be heard, birds and animals seen at a distance vanish as silently as they appear.

A small skein of geese came into sight and within seconds had gone, owls are heard hooting, and the occasional fox bark over the meadows.

We have seen deer wandering about the country lanes especially at night but the first you see of them is in the car headlights. If you come across a deer crossing the road be warned that there may be another following.

At least the shortest day is behind us although it will be two or three weeks before we notice any difference at all.

A few weeks ago I found the body of a Weasel. Although it was sad, I would have rather seen a live one, it does prove that these rarely seen little carnivores are still around which in itself is good news. Measuring about 8 inches nose to tail it is the smallest of the mustelidae family eating mostly voles and mice. They have a territory of approx 10 - 20 acres (4 - 8 hectares). They do not hibernate and  have to eat about a quarter of their own weight in food daily to stay alive and so have to hunt every day. They are brown in colour with a white undercarriage and are about the size of a large mouse but with a long slim body and short legs. While they will not choose to fight a dog or cat that comes across them they are ferocious and will leave the attacker with a few bites before making good their escape.

When the wind moves to the East in the winter the temperature usually drops which brings colder blustery weather. It is then time to 'up' the bird feeding programme. The birds in our garden come to rely on regular feeding. Sources of food are: Daily - cooked porridge, bread or cake crumbs, fat, and cheese served on the bird table; and seeds and peanuts in the hanging feeders. Although the Nuthatches and Tits have their favourite seeds and discard the ones they don't like onto the ground below, these are not wasted as the ground feeding birds soon eat them, Robins, Dunnocks, Blackbirds and Chaffinches. If the weather becomes severe no doubt the pheasants will also come scratching about looking for seeds. Last year there were six hen pheasants at the foot of the apple tree.

A note of warning if using a fat ball - please remove the plastic string bag first as birds can get their feet caught up in them, many thanks.

I have it in mind to start a local Elstead group of Surrey Wildlife Trust. Watch this space.