This autumn will be longer and more colourful than it has been in years – here's why

Photo credit: The National Trust/Jon Bish
Photo credit: The National Trust/Jon Bish

From Country Living

Britain is set for a spectacular autumn this year and a prolonged display of glorious colour, the National Trust has found.

While many of us have been hiding away from the recent heavy rain and strong winds, the conservation charity have found that our long warm summer has given trees the best chance of staying in leaf and retaining their full colours for longer.

The balmy weather helped to increase the leaf sugar content which is set to result in a range of stunning pigments as the leaves begin to turn. Expect hues of red, orange, green, gold and brown this autumn.

Some of the most breathtaking displays the charity has witnessed so far can be seen at Stourhead in Wiltshire, Sheffield Park in East Sussex, and Speke Hall — which has a dazzling display of yellow lime trees.

Photo credit: The National Trust/Jon Bish
Photo credit: The National Trust/Jon Bish

"Autumn in the northern hemisphere is one of the natural world's great spectacles. It starts in the far northern deciduous forests and progresses southwards to the warm temperate regions over about a 10 week period. Our northern gardens and woodlands are therefore a week or two ahead of the most southerly," Simon Toomer, Plant Specialist at the National Trust, says.

Photo credit: The National Trust
Photo credit: The National Trust
Photo credit: Hugh Mothersole/The National Trust
Photo credit: Hugh Mothersole/The National Trust

"The primary trigger for trees to begin the process of shutting down for the winter and shedding leaves is day length but weather conditions through the summer and early autumn affect the rate of leaf loss and intensity of colour."

Over at many National Trust sites, the blazing colours of autumn are already turning golden. Simon adds: "We're just starting to see some of the maple trees start to turn – from greens to reds and oranges. And, judging by how the weather had been over the past few weeks I'd expect our autumn colour to be at its peak in mid to late October.

"Many of our common garden plants like cotoneaster, dogwoods and mahonia are also at their best in autumn."

Photo credit: The National Trust/John Miller
Photo credit: The National Trust/John Miller
Photo credit: The National Trust/John Miller
Photo credit: The National Trust/John Miller

Elsewhere, The Wildlife Trusts is also asking nature lovers to get involved with their new autumn campaign, The Big Wild Walk, which is running from 26th October to 1st November. It's all part of a public appeal to raise £30 million to start putting nature into recovery across at least 30% of land and sea by 2030.

There are three challenges to choose from — the hedgehog, the arctic tern and the nature nut. Each encourage people to get fit, have fun and raise money for wildlife.

Dr Amir Khan, GP and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, says: "Do join in the Big Wild Walk from The Wildlife Trusts, perfect just as the leaves are turning from green to red and gold. Autumn is a magical time when you get to experience the full majesty of the natural world. You may even be lucky enough to see some wildlife making final preparations before winter."

For more information about the challenges and how to get involved, head over to their website.

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