During the lockdown, our household has held regular discussions about “having a big tidy up”. As a member of Hoarders Anonymous, I find the onset of spring, with all that implies, quite triggering. Thus far, I have managed to stave off the prospect of spending a weekend sorting out things to throw out, with the inescapable logic that, as the local tip is still closed, we have nowhere to put all the stuff earmarked for disposal. But it’s only a matter of time, and if you – like me – struggle with this sort of thing you could take a leaf out of the minimalists’ playbook. Apparently decluttering makes you happy and could even lead to a more sustainable lifestyle. As I sit here writing this surrounded by a top hat, several dead laptops and defunct stereo equipment and a large stuffed Basil Brush (don’t ask) I can honestly say I couldn’t comment.

But declutter away if you think it will relieve the boredom of lockdown. Or you could read our expert’s fascinating study about boredom instead, which will help pass the time. Personally, given the sunshine forecast this weekend, the pressure will be on to get out into the garden and put right some of the havoc that winter has wrought on our lawn and flowerbeds. Now there’s a worthwhile use of time while the pubs are shut. If you live in a built-up urban area, even the smallest green spaces can be havens for bees and other pollinators. And keep an eye out for the burgeoning bird life, although you might not spot as many red kites or ravens as our Elizabethan ancestors in London did, when the birds of prey acted as unofficial street cleaners.

Or you could just settle back and have a browse through some of the fascinating stories we’ve featured this week, including why using dogs to guard livestock might not be such a good idea, how Roald Dahl became a passionate vaccination advocate and why so many people are identifying with Keats’ poetry during lockdown.

From our colleagues around the globe, a new advance in the search for substances to replace fat in food, how the ancient Greeks dealt with fake news and why so many black Americans are reluctant to have a COVID jab.

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