Country diary: Which tree sounds the best in the wind? Take a bough, the poplar | Derek Niemann

The Guardian UK Thursday 01 October 2026, 04:30 UTC By Derek Niemann 1 min read

Key Points

Frome, Somerset: With a sway and a swoosh, we’re entering the season to enjoy psithurism – the aural quality of the breeze in the treesThe wind-catchers along the bottom of the valley miss nothing. Even the lightest breath has them whispering. And when the wind strengthens, they do a good imitation of the river streaming over boulders below their feet.

Frome, Somerset: With a sway and a swoosh, we’re entering the season to enjoy psithurism – the aural quality of the breeze in the trees

The wind-catchers along the bottom of the valley miss nothing. Even the lightest breath has them whispering. And when the wind strengthens, they do a good imitation of the river streaming over boulders below their feet. Truly, when it blows, it pours.

Pass a poplar and you are enjoying the best example of psithurism, the sound of wind in trees. All this growing season, I have listened politely to oaks, alders and willows, but if I rocked up in a pub looking for chatty company, I’d want a poplar on the bar stool next to me.

Derek Niemann (PERSON) Frome (LOCATION) Somerset (LOCATION)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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Country diary: Which tree sounds the best in the wind? Take a bough, the poplar | Derek Niemann

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