National Trust reveals where to see the best Autumn colour in Hampshire following the summer heatwave

The National Trust is warning that one of the best loved sights of autumn, the changing colour of tree leaves, will be heavily impacted by the warming climate unless urgent action is taken.

With this year’s record-breaking temperatures and many areas experiencing drought conditions, trees around the country are being put under immense stress and some are struggling to survive.

Brown leaves carpeting the ground in August led many to think autumn had arrived early but was actually due to trees not having enough water causing a ‘false’ autumn. Leaf drop in some parts of the country and subsequent reduction in leaf canopy is likely to diminish this year’s autumn colour.

However, Hampshire is predicted to still have strong displays due to high densities of mature, well-established trees

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Regional National Trust trees and woodland advisor Tom Hill said: “Traditionally, autumn displays in the South East tend to be very strong because it’s the most densely wooded part of England and it also supports some of the highest concentrations of ancient trees and ancient woodlands in the National Trust’s care. Our larger woodlands are perhaps less at risk than individual trees as they create local micro-climates and shade that help water to be retained in the soil.

“It’s likely that well-established trees like these will be more resilient and that we will still see the full colour spectrum at many of our places in the South East. We may see more golden browns and yellows as a result of the drought and high temperatures - this year could actually be a unique display.

“But this year is a warning that what we’ve previously taken for granted, may be at risk. We need to start thinking more carefully about the needs of our trees, and that includes the ground around them. The role of organic mulch in new planting is going to be particularly important as we anticipate dryer conditions in future years, to help retain moisture in the soil, just like they would have had in the natural wooded environments they’ve evolved to grow in over millions of years.”

In Hampshire, Hinton Ampner near Alresford, Mottisfont near Romsey and The Vyne near Basingstoke are the Trust’s top places for autumn colour, looking most likely to peak from mid-October.

Mottisfont

The London plane trees at Mottisfont seem to be showing no obvious signs of drought-related stress. These giants are more than 300 years old and in autumn their bright yellow foliage reaches almost down to the ground. The largest – believed to be the tallest and oldest in Britain - is more than 100ft and forms part of the National Collection of plane trees. Located by the east end of the mansion, its leaves are currently turning a buttery yellow. Other trees that will reveal rich autumn colour in the garden include large horse chestnuts and oaks, acid-yellow tulip trees and orange and scarlet hornbeams.

Hinton Ampner

Across Hinton’s ancient park, broad-girthed old oaks, towering beech, chestnut and lime areas are already beginning to show signs of bronze and yellow foliage. Soon, the towering Norway maples will showcase a deep purple leaf colour.

Head gardener John Wood: “The park here is littered with ancient and veteran trees, and their huge leaf canopies really intensify in colour as the days get colder.”

“They’re not showing huge signs of stress despite the drought, and we’ve got some spectacular examples, including a massive oak that witnessed the Civil War’s Battle of Cheriton. The best way to enjoy them is by following our Tree Trail, which winds its way through the finest examples. The four-mile Dutton Estate Walk takes you further afield, into the estate’s beech woodland, which is a glorious place to be in mid-autumn - you can stroll along wide rides under a ‘roof’ of buttery yellow and bronze foliage.”

The Vyne

At this former Tudor ‘power house’ the lake is fringed with liquidamber and swamp cypress trees, which are now transforming into oranges, reds and purples.

Senior ranger Corina Dawson said: “The lake-side trees are turning colour earlier than usual because of the drought, but leaf canopy still looks remarkably good. Liquidamber is famed for its autumn colour in the States, where it’s also known as sweet gum. The leaves turn a deep purple colour, and then as autumn progresses they go through a kaleidoscope of colours, from yellow and amber to deep pink and red. It’s a really stunning sight.”

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Autumn colour typically only starts to show once temperatures begin to get cooler overnight while remaining above freezing. In October, the shortening of the days and lower light levels stop the production of chlorophyl, the green energy creating pigment in leaves. 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. 

Senior national gardens and parks consultant at the National Trust, Pamela Smith, said: “Ideally over the next month we need sunshine, rain, no strong winds and to see temperatures starting to dip.  We’ll get the first indications of how good this year’s autumn colour will be in the north, as typically temperatures start to drop here first, as the phenomenon spreads north to south across the country.

“We’ve also witnessed a glut of fruits and berries out earlier such as acorns, beech masts, rowan berries and elderberries due to these trees and shrubs being under stress.”

To help more people to get outdoors to experience all elements of autumn, the National Trust is offering the public an opportunity to visit a National Trust property for free.  For more go to nationaltrust.org.uk/escape-into-autumn

The heritage conservationist body also has big ambitions around tree planting, with a target of planting and establishing 20 million trees by 2030.  To make a donation go to nationaltrust.org.uk/plant-a-tree.