National Trust

Nature lovers may notice muted autumnal colours this year instead of the usual fireworks display of reds and yellows following the summer's drought, ...

[These are the perfect drinks for easing into autumn](https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/23/these-are-the-perfect-drinks-for-easing-into-autumn-17417879/?ico=more_text_links) ‘However, in terms of the typical autumn cycle, it remains to be seen what the drought and high temperatures could mean for this year’s autumn colour, but we may see more golden browns and yellows as a result – and this year could be quite a unique display.’ Pamela Smith, senior national gardens and parks consultant for the National Trust, said: ‘Due to the leaf drop that has already occurred in isolated areas, this year’s autumn colour will be reduced due to the simple reason that many trees have already lost a lot of their leaves due to the hot summer. [will put a dampener on the change of season.](https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/01/when-does-autumn-2022-start-17274070/) [the pace of climate change increases](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/27/feeling-the-heat-dont-rush-to-by-an-air-conditioning-unit-just-yet-17159628/). [the summer’s drought](https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/01/england-extreme-summer-was-officially-the-joint-hottest-in-138-years-17284721/), the National Trust has said.

Over the next few weeks we will see just how much the summer heatwave and droughts have impacted trees. While some have shown signs of autumn early, overnight ...

Claire added: “Luckily, there are still plenty of trees with full of lush green leaves that let us hope for a stunning display of autumn colours. Shortening days and lower light levels in October stops the production of chlorophyl, the green energy creating pigment in leaves. While some have shown signs of autumn early, overnight temperatures must drop before the leaves really start to turn. As the green pigment fades (due to the trees withdrawing sugars from the leaves) the underlying colours of reds, oranges, browns and yellows become apparent. While good levels of sunshine, but also rainfall is needed to build up sugars in the leaves, a lack of rain causes stress for the trees with potentially early shows of yellow or brown autumn colour and leaf fall. “Others, like many of our birches, horse chestnuts, sycamores, field maples and Japanese maples have had their leaves scorched, and while the scorched leaves have not all dropped, they are already brown and crisp and will not delivery their usual autumn colour spectacle.

If urgent action is not taken to combat climate change, the orange, red, yellow and brown leaves we all see in autumn may not be so prominent in years to ...

“Longer lived tree species are thought to undergo natural cycles of retrenchment — i.e. The colours of autumn foliage, they explained, are set by the weather conditions of the preceding months, with both sun and rain needed to build up sugars in leaves. When the days get shorter and longer, trees cease making chlorophyll, their green energy-producing pigment, and, as they withdraw sugar, the underlying reddish-orange hues of their leaves become more apparent. “This bountiful period and glut of food may impact our wildlife during the winter months with not so much food available when they need it most — so it is important if you have a garden or green space, to garden with wildlife in mind which will also bring nature closer to home.” “Hopefully, trees were able to build up plenty of sugars in the spring and early summer so that the high temperatures had little impact — and it will only be those trees already under stress that will be impacted. “However, in terms of the typical autumn cycle, it remains to be seen what the drought and high temperatures could mean for this year’s autumn colour.

The National Trust says we will see a very different autumn this year with more golden browns and yellows on the trees because of the summer heatwave.

The changing colour of tree leaves this autumn could be the latest casualty of climate change, the National Trust in Northern Ireland has warned.

It’s also important to have a period of calm weather so that leaves aren’t blown off trees before they’ve started to turn. While good levels of sunshine, but also rainfall is needed to build up sugars in the leaves, a lack of rain causes stress for the trees with potentially early shows of yellow or brown autumn colour and leaf fall. Claire McNally, Head Gardener at Rowallane Garden in Co Down, said: “After the extreme dryness during the summer, many of the typical autumnal events have accelerated.

After a year of extreme weather, a “unique” show of golden browns and buttery yellows could light up the UK's trees in the next few weeks, a conservation ...

“I love the changing of the seasons,” he said. However, when he showed the Guardian around this week, he could point out the softly changing hues of the candyfloss trees, the acers and beeches. And he said there had also been some worrying losses this summer, including the death of two 15-year-old dawn redwoods, which may have succumbed to the extreme weather. “It was a bit of a flash, then everything held its leaves until December – an odd one.” But he added: “Despite their potential to span millennia, trees will struggle to survive consecutive summers of searingly hot temperatures and not enough rain. The right combination of light, temperature – and a lack of wind – is needed for an extra special show.

The charity explained that climate change will have a huge impact on the changing colour of tree leaves unless 'urgent action' is taken.

“It’s likely that well established trees will be more resilient and that we will still see the full colour spectrum, but this year is a warning to us all of how what we’ve previously taken for granted, may be at risk.” The summer weather has also led to fruits and berries ripening earlier than normal - which could have an impact on wildlife due to there being less food available in the wild as we head into the colder months. Luke Barley, Trees & Woodlands Adviser for the National Trust, added that they have seen more young trees die than normal this year due to a lack of rain. “It’s very likely we won’t understand the full impact of this summer’s temperatures until next spring, when their ability to burst into new life may be hampered if they didn’t manage to store enough sugars in their roots over the summer period,” he explained. They warned that the trees will be “heavily impacted” by the warming weather “unless urgent action is taken to tackle This led to a phenomenon called a ‘false’ autumn, where the leaves turned brown earlier than expected due to trees not having enough water.

Families can visit a range of National Trust properties for free this autumn. Whether you want to enjoy an autumnal walk or are looking to uncover the story ...

Terms and conditions can be found [here.](https://go.skimresources.com?id=76202X1528716&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationaltrust.org.uk%2Ffeatures%2Fterms-and-conditions-for-the-autumn-free-visit-offer&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolecho.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fwhats-on-news%2Fnational-trust-giving-away-free-25133724) The participating National Trust sites includes Speke Hall, a green oasis on the edge of Liverpool with a rare Tudor house at its heart. Each free visit can be used by up to two adults and four children at a participating venue. [newsletter](https://data.reachplc.com/213501865948867) A full list of these sites can be found The fine Tudor building was home to stories of romance, wealth and 500 years of Hesketh family history. [National Trust website.](https://go.skimresources.com?id=76202X1528716&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationaltrust.org.uk%2Ffeatures%2Fescape-into-autumn&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolecho.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fwhats-on-news%2Fnational-trust-giving-away-free-25133724) If you are already a National Trust member, you can use your free visit to bring along a friend or family member. [New pizza restaurant coming to Liverpool with 1,000 free pizzas](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/new-pizza-restaurant-coming-liverpool-25108936) [Reindeer Lodge drive-thru experience returning for Christmas 2022](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/reindeer-lodge-drive-thru-experience-25105928) [Inside huge new 'super restaurant' transforming historic pumphouse in Liverpool](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/inside-huge-new-super-restaurant-25108263) [Liverpool's family run bakery customers say is 'better than the Ritz and Bettys'](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/liverpools-family-run-bakery-customers-25095922) [Matalan's Alder Hey 2022 family pyjamas launch with colourful new design](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/matalans-alder-hey-2022-family-25092922) [here.](https://go.skimresources.com?id=76202X1528716&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationaltrust.org.uk%2Ffeatures%2Fplaces-which-are-exempt-from-the-guest-pass-promotion&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolecho.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fwhats-on-news%2Fnational-trust-giving-away-free-25133724) [Family shows including Disney films coming to Everyman and Playhouse](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/theatre-news/family-shows-including-disney-films-25119744) To claim a free ticket visit the Families can visit a range of National Trust properties for free this autumn.

TAKE the kids out for free to a National Trust property this autumn, as they're giving away family passes.Take your pick from hundreds of properties a.

Then, click the plus button to add a ticket to your basket. Tickets include entry for two adults and up to four children. [Cragside](https://www.thesun.co.uk/uncategorized/11118319/10-national-trust-properties-film/) in [Northumberland](https://www.thesun.co.uk/where/northumberland/) to explore Britain's original smart home, with a free ticket saving a family up to £52. [Culzean Castl](https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/10760065/deadwater-fell-filming/)e and Country Park in South Ayrshire, [Scotland](https://www.thesun.co.uk/where/scotland/), save up to £46 on a family ticket. Head to the checkout to grab your bargain. To bag the free tickets, head to the