27 AUGUST 2005, Page 17

Awful August

From Nigel Farndale

Sir: I know what Charles Moore means about August being a depressing month (The Spectator’s Notes, 20 August). For me the autumnal mood arrives when I notice the leaves turning limp, dull and dark green. If it is any consolation, Mr Moore’s ‘feeling’ is justified scientifically. August is when the swifts leave, which is why the UK Phenology Network defines it as the first month of autumn.

Nigel Farndale London SW4