Experts predict ‘spectacular’ autumn colours in UK following sunny September

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Parks and gardens in the UK are likely to be full of bright colours this autumn, according to experts from the National Trust, who have said that “the show should be spectacular” following a bout of sunshine in September.

Despite the rain and windy weather many people across the UK have been experiencing over the past few days, if the weather remains fairly stable for the first half of October, this year’s autumnal colours should prove a sight to behold, the organisation predicted.

“The duration and intensity of autumn colour relies on lots of sunshine for trees to bask in prior to the season’s arrival,” the National Trust said.

“Although the very dry spring caused stress to some trees, particularly ash trees making them more susceptible to disease, classic summer weather with good levels of both sunshine and rain has given trees the best chance of staying in leaf and retaining their full crowns until temperatures start to drop and colour starts to develop.”

While the sunny conditions this summer helped “to increase the leaf sugar content”, which results in leaves turning vivid red, orange, gold and brown at this time of year, the weather “will need to remain favourable through the first half of October for a memorable display, with enough sunshine during the day, cold conditions at night and no intense storms or rainfall”, the National Trust explained.

Simon Toomer, a plant specialist at the National Trust, outlined how the weather conditions during the summer season and the beginning of autumn impact the “rate of leaf loss and intensity of colour”.

“North America and Japan are the best-known global hotspots for autumn colour and we are lucky that many of our gardens and parks have many trees from these areas,” Mr Toomer said.

“This variety of species ensures a long and very colourful display and this year, with favourable weather conditions, the show should be spectacular.”

Mr Toomer added that the growth of autumnal fruits and berries, such as spindle and blue sloes, will add even more colour to the mix.

Tom Hill, a trees and woodland advisor for the National Trust in the South East, explained that when trees lose their leaves during the autumn period, this provides the soil with nourishment, “supporting billions of microscopic organisms that provide the building blocks for all life in the forest”.

“It’s also a special time of year to appreciate the amazing natural architecture of our trees as their branches are revealed for the first time in months,” he said.

Mr Toomer added that at this time of year, with certain areas of the UK being placed in localised lockdowns, it is “more important than ever” to appreciate nature.

“With the evenings already drawing in and with the potential of further localised lockdowns due to the coronavirus, it’s more important than ever that we take the time to notice nature and to drink in the colourful landscapes that we can see at this time of year,” he said.

“Together with the particular dusky, heavy scent of autumn and the sounds of crisp leaves crunching under foot, will all serve to help our wellbeing through the next few colder, darker months.”