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Prolific acorn production may be an evolutionary response to the water stress experienced by most broad leafed trees this Summer in England.
Not enough water gives rise to early leaf loss to try and avoid transpiration losses.
The tree may interpret the drought conditions as ' this is unusual and life threatening, maximise acorn production with a hope that some germinate and eventually give rise to fertile acorn producing trees'.Also last year, at least in outer north west London, seemed to be 'down' year for acorn production.
I have no recollection of the acorn production in 1976.
mespilus
dancing james
Have oak trees shed a) more than usual and b) done so earlier this year?
They've been plaguing London League CX events, turning certain corners into a lottery for crashes. I don't ever remember it being this noticeable before.