A spectacular, but shorter, autumn

This year’s long hot summer could prompt an earlier and shorter-thannormal autumn, according to the Forestry Commission in England.

With days getting cooler and shorter, trees such as sweet gum, cherry and maple are among those to have already started to show hints of autumn colour at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest.

Dan Luscombe, the commission’s collections manager, said the dry soil and falling temperatures meant many trees had already started to change.

Late summer rain will ensure a brilliant autumn display, but this year’s conditions mean such sights may not be around as long as normal.

Trees need a balance of sun and rain to produce sugars, which create the colours in the leaves. The summer has also brought an abundance of fruits, berries seeds and conifer cones, ideal for winter woodland wildlife. Samantha Herbert