Word came from Sue, a farmer and flower-grower on the banks of the nearby River Swale – the birds have changed their note. Every year, she lets us know when she hears them begin their annual rite of tuning up for spring. “It means winter’s weakening its hold.” Hearing the good news, I opened the window. It was a sunny day, and immediately I heard a great tit in the cherry tree. Last week, the same bird cheeped colourlessly from these branches; now its call was a bell resounding through the village.