Autumn produces spectacular colours in our
deciduous trees. The brightest autumn colours
are produced when dry, sunny days are
followed by cool, dry nights. Trees prepare
for the winter by storing essential nutrients
in their trunk and roots, and the leaves
become superfluous. The green leaf pigment
(chlorophyll) is  then destroyed as the
temperature falls. Conversely bright autumn
sunshine enhances the production of
anthocyanins, which results in the rich
colours. Maybe you should just forget the
chemistry and enjoy it all! The picture is
at Towneley Park, Lancashire, but the same
scenes can be enjoyed countrywide.

Landranger Grid Reference SD857311