The Forestry Commission predicts fantastic autumn colour after a great growing season for trees

The UK has experienced a typically English summer, some great sunny days interspersed with lots of rain! But what does this mean for autumn colours?

When will we start to see leaves turning colour and falling? And just how much does the weather affect when autumn happens?

Does a warm summer affect the displays of autumnal colours that we all love to see? And is it really possible to predict when leaves will start to change colour? The Forestry Commission gazes into its crystal ball to try….

Andrew Smith, the Forestry Commission’s director at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire said: “Autumn's foliage displays are certainly affected by the weather. This year should be good for producing autumnal colour as, although it’s been quite warm it has also been wet with periods of heavy rain interspersed by some really warm, sunny days.

“That has meant a great growing season for trees allowing them to build up plenty of sugars in their leaves. It is these sugars that produce the rich autumnal colours when they are absorbed back into the tree to help them survive winter.

“This year we predict that whilst autumn colours may start soon, they will be best in mid to late October. However, we anticipate prolonged autumn colour well into November due to the mild, damp weather conditions.

“Predicting when autumn will fall and what type of colour the leaves will turn is always an entertaining task. Trying to guess the timing and colouring of trees in autumn is something that we indulge in every year at Westonbirt using the latest scientific knowledge on trees and leaf senescence (the scientific term for leaf fall). However nature has a wonderful habit of doing the unexpected so we can never give a totally accurate prediction. A harsh storm or a severe frost can easily put an end to many a great autumn show.”

For autumn walks and information about events and exploring Forestry Commission managed woods and forests this autumn, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn

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