Boots at the ready. The later months of the year see the nation’s woodlands come alive in a crunchy-underfoot kaleidoscope of colour, and the best way to explore them is at walking speed: discovering canopies packed with golds, ochres, and russets; collecting fallen conkers; jumping in leaf-piles.
A quick crammer. As the weather cools in autumn, leaves start to receive less sunlight. Less sunlight means less green chlorophyll – something deciduous trees won’t replenish until next year – and the unveiling of new, colourful pigments underneath, creating those beautiful autumn hues. In some species, and in certain special years, you’ll see another stage of colour as the leaves turn a vibrant red. These reds are produced in years when lots of sunlight and dry weather have increased the concentration of sugar in the tree sap.
To help you enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of autumn as they flood the forest, Forestry England has created a guide to the best autumn walks near you.
YHA Nature Challenge
When out on your autumn ramble, why not capture the season in all its glory and take part in the #YHANatureChallenge? Happy snapping!
Read next: Fresh perspectives on the outdoors.
Image credit:Â adobestock/Ivan
