Country diary: Autumn gales aren't unusual, but this one is different | Country diary

Stamford, Lincolnshire: Stout horse chestnuts look suddenly brittle, and the sky is filled with a migration of leavesIt comes suddenly - rising concussions against the walls of the house, followed by the usual glances outside, the tone in the voice: "Wind's getting up." Autumn gales aren't unusual; perhaps we notice them more now, from enforced acquaintance with the same air, the same space, the same view.This one is different, though. The suddenness and the severity make me cease everything and stare, at first with curiosity, then concern. Stout-limbed horse chestnut trees that have stood steadfast for decades bow stiffly, suddenly brittle; brush-topped silver birches are a flurry of motion, like dusters waved at a cobweb. Continue reading...