Intensity of autumn colours boosted by warm September

Early signs of bright colours are showing in Savernake Forest

This autumn could dazzle with an "extraordinary" display of leaf colour.

Forestry England said a warm September has created ideal conditions for a "one-of-a-kind" mix of colours.

Savernake Forest near Marlborough has been recommended by outdoor equipment retailer Blacks as one of the top five places to enjoy an autumn hike.

The forest's Grand Avenue features a long corridor of orange and red beech trees planted by famous landscaper Capability Brown.

Blackberry leaves often turn red

Heather Lilly, community engagement officer for Forestry England, said: "We're so lucky to have free access to so many woodland areas in Wiltshire and nearby.

"People who know the forest have their favourite routes but there is always a new path to discover."

Final leaf colour depends on the combination of naturally occurring pigments

The hopes for a better than usual autumn are prompted by the late September heatwave which extended the activity of chlorophyll.

Forestry England said the build up of sugars in the leaves help produce the stunning autumn reds, golds and oranges as they are absorbed back into the tree.

Rainy weather in March has helped the leaf display as it provided plenty of moisture to the soil, prompting healthy and substantial growth.

As the green fades the yellow and orange hues start to show

Colour changes in leaves take place as the days become shorter and evening temperatures cool, with the green chlorophyll in the leaves starting to disappear, exposing yellow and orange hues.

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