I don't know where you are in the UK, would have been helpful to know that, but last year particularly, we had a very warm April followed by a cold end to the month, with a cold early start to May. Many fruit trees had their blossoms nipped by the frost before they were pollinated - you don't say whether your tree had blossom or not. Drought at that time can have the same effect, causing the flowers to shrivel, and certainly in April I recall having the sprinkler on here in London because it was so dry.

If it needs to be pollinated by another pear tree (if you know the variety we can check on this) it could be that the other tree (wherever it is!) has died/been cut down. The other tree could be quite a few metres away and you may have been unaware of the job that the insects have been doing for you! I'm assuming that it is still flowering each year?

Also check the bee population in your neighborhood. If you just don't see many bees around anymore--a common problem around the world, now--the tree might not be getting its required pollination for that reason.

Thanks for the comments.

The tree does blossom and I have planted two pear trees nearby which also blossom but are a bit young to bear fruit.

Have not noticed a drop in the bee population.

Chris

Well, if it had blossom last year, I suspect it was the unfortunate weather conditions at the time.

thank you