This summer’s long stretch of sunshine may have left some trees looking a little weary, but it has also set the scene for one of the most colourful autumns yet.

Visitors to Batsford Arboretum, home to one of the country’s largest private collections of trees and shrubs, can look forward to a breathtaking display of fiery reds, glowing oranges and golden yellows across its 60-acres, with the show expected to begin as early as the end of this month.

During hot, dry spells, some trees shed a few leaves early as a clever way to conserve water and protect themselves until cooler weather returns. While this might look like autumn arriving ahead of schedule, it’s actually nature’s way of helping trees survive.

The real reward of all that sunshine comes in autumn. Long, bright summers boost the sugars in leaves, which in turn produce the brilliant pigments behind the season’s dazzling colours. The contrast of warm days and cooler nights in September and October only adds to the intensity of those hues.

At Batsford, many trees have thrived in the summer sun, and—just as in similar years gone by—are preparing to deliver their annual spectacle in style.

Keep an eye on the autumn leaf colour indicator on the homepage of our website, or see our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates!