My world is pretty much run by two young children and my wife, which means most of my time is spent navigating the brilliant chaos of family life. Our dog provides the perfect excuse for a bit of fresh air, and our walks have become a welcome rhythm to our days. Life is busy and beautifully full, revolving around the simple, everyday moments that make up a home.

When I do get a quiet moment, whether on a walk or just looking out the kitchen window, I have a second, slightly geeky pursuit: birdwatching. A friend once asked me to describe the appeal, and the best I could come up with is that it’s like Pokémon in real life, just without the imprisonment and violence. There’s a genuine thrill in spotting something new, identifying a call, and building a mental collection of the tiny, feathered dinosaurs living all around us.

While the quiet focus of that hobby is one version of contentment, my true happy place is a bit more traditional. For me, it’s that perfect moment midway through a long dog walk, with muddy boots on the floor of a proper pub and a pint of something cold in my hand.