I Love English Autumns

I love Autumn in the UK - a season marked by a transformation of the landscape and an atmosphere that blends nostalgia with anticipation. As summer fades, the English countryside, cities, and towns gradually shift into a beautiful palette of gold, red, and amber, creating a visual spectacle that is cherished by so many. The cooler temperatures, the beauty of nature in transition - it's so great - and time to put some warmer clothes on and start to get cosy!

The changing colours of the trees is something to behold. Ok, so we don't have the bright reds of North America and Canada - but our muted shades are just as wonderful. We have such a wide variety of deciduous trees—oak, beech, birch, and sycamore, among others—that provide the rich tapestry of autumnal hues. Famous locations like Richmond Park in London, the Lake District in Cumbria, and the New Forest in Hampshire are particularly celebrated for their autumn scenery. Walking through these forests during this season is like stepping into a painting, with leaves carpeting the ground and the sunlight filtering through the branches in soft, golden hues. This time of year draws nature lovers, photographers, and hikers who seek to immerse themselves in the fleeting beauty of the season. I love to stomp and scrunch my way through the fallen leaves - and my dog likes to chase them as they fall.

I don't mind the way the daylight hours shorten - that variety is just so interesting and familiar, there's a rhythm to it. There's a crispness in the air, particularly in the early mornings and evenings. However, while the temperatures may drop, the weather is often still mild enough to enjoy outdoor activities without the harshness of winter’s chill. We occasionally get some warm sun - though this year we've had more rain than I can ever remember - making it ideal for long walks in the countryside, exploring parks, or enjoying the coast before the harsher winter months arrive.

I also enjoy the series of traditional events and celebrations that Autumn brings. One of the most well-known is Bonfire Night, celebrated on November 5th, which commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 when Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. On this night, communities across the UK come together to watch fireworks displays and light bonfires, often accompanied by food like toffee apples and hot drinks. The warmth of the bonfires and the spectacle of the fireworks provide a welcome contrast to the growing cold of November evenings. It's fab.

Halloween, too, has become increasingly popular in the UK, with children and families enjoying traditions such as pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and spooky events. We always used to dress up when the kids were young, but now we just leave spooky signs outside the front door - a carved pumpkin, or a skeleton, so kids will call. They show off their fabulous costumes in return for sweets - it's a fair trade.

In addition to this, many harvest festivals take place during early autumn, where communities gather to give thanks for the crops of the year. Farmers’ markets and country fairs are abundant, offering seasonal produce such as apples, pumpkins, squashes, and game, reminding people of the agricultural roots of British culture.

The changing season also affects the wildlife of the UK. In autumn, many animals prepare for the winter months ahead. Squirrels are seen gathering and burying nuts; birds, such as swallows and swifts, migrate south to warmer climates. Hedgehogs begin to hibernate as temperatures fall, and deer, particularly in places like Richmond Park, enter their rutting season, a spectacular display of strength and dominance. A lot of gardeners 'put the garden to bed' at this time of year - basically tidying up, pruning, planting, potting and generally preparing for winter.

In summary, autumn in England is a season of transformation and reflection, with a mixture of natural beauty, cultural traditions, and wildlife activity. Whether walking through golden woodlands, celebrating Bonfire Night, or enjoying the seasonal bounty, autumn holds a special place in the hearts of many Britons. It is a time to embrace the transition from summer to winter and I LOVE IT.