THIS summer’s record-breaking sunshine and warm temperatures look set to provide the perfect conditions for a spectacular autumn in the nation’s forests.
Forestry England experts, working with Met Office climate data, say signs point to a particularly vivid display of reds, oranges and golds, starting in mid to late September and lasting well into November, especially in northern regions.
Andrew Smith, Forest Management Director at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, says: “We’ve had a very warm and sunny summer and that helps trees build up the sugars in their leaves that create those amazing autumn colours.
“The cooler nights and shorter days on the way will trigger the change, and we’re expecting a really beautiful display this year.”
Autumn is extra special at Westonbirt in Gloucs, home to 1,800 tree species from around the world, set in a picturesque landscape of intimate glades.
Be sure to catch the magnificent display of maples there – one of the best in the world.
And here’s where and when experts expect to see the best colours over the next few months across the rest of the UK . . .
SOUTHERN ENGLAND: In forests such as Alice Holt in Hampshire and Friston in East Sussex, trees are expected to start changing from mid-September, with peak colour in early October. Look out for its spectacular golden oak leaves.
EASTERN ENGLAND: Expect beautiful displays from late September into mid-October in forests such as Thetford in Norfolk and Bedgebury National Pinetum in Kent. Look out for a vibrant kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, yellows and coppers.
At Bedgebury, the changing leaves create a striking contrast against the backdrop of evergreens.
MIDLANDS: At Salcey Forest in Northants and Cannock Chase in Staffs, Forestry England predicts peak colour from late September to mid-October. Expect a strong mix of yellows, coppers and fiery orange tones.
NORTHERN ENGLAND: Forests including Grizedale in the Lake District and Kielder in Northumberland are expected to peak a little later – around early to mid-October – but colours here tend to last longer, thanks to cooler temperatures and higher rainfall.
SOUTH WEST ENGLAND: Forests including Haldon Forest Park in Devon, Cardinham Woods in Cornwall and the Forest of Dean in Gloucs are predicted to show early colour this year from mid-September, with the most vibrant displays likely in the first half of October.
Expect a stunning patchwork of golden beeches and vivid sweet chestnuts.
- For more on where to see the best autumn colour, visit forestryengland.uk/autumn.