Autumn Spotter: Track England's Changing Tree Colours 2026

As an autumn spotter, you can help Forestry England track the changing colours of trees across England. The reds and golds of autumn leaves may be beginning to appear, but exactly when the season arrives is not always as predictable as the calendar might suggest. Now, Forestry England is asking people to help track the changing colours of forests to create a record of when and how autumn arrives across the country.

What is the Autumn Leaf Watch Project?

The Autumn Leaf Watch citizen science project invites people to become “autumn spotters” using Forestry England’s new autumn colour tracker. Those taking part can record the most common leaf colour they spot on visits to forests, or search for hues of leaves on specific tree species, including beech, horse chestnut, oak, rowan and silver birch. By collecting observations over the coming weeks and in future years, Forestry England, which is in charge of the country’s woodlands, hopes to build a picture of how the timing and development of autumn colour varies between regions, habitats and tree species.

Why Track Autumn Colours?

Tracking autumn colours helps scientists understand how climate change affects seasonal timing. Early observations suggest autumn remains in its infancy, with most reports showing green woodland canopies. But yellow and orange leaves have already been recorded at Wyre Forest in Worcestershire, Haughmond Hill in Shropshire and Delamere Forest in Cheshire. Silver birch and beech are among the first species showing colour change, while oak has so far remained predominantly green across much of the country.

How to Become an Autumn Spotter

Getting involved is easy. Simply visit a forest, observe the leaves, and record your findings through Forestry England’s online tracker. You can focus on a specific tree species or note the overall canopy colour. The project is open to everyone, from casual walkers to dedicated nature enthusiasts.

• Sign up on Forestry England’s website to access the autumn colour tracker.
• Visit any woodland and note the dominant leaf colours.
• Record your observations, including tree species if possible.
• Submit your data online to contribute to the national record.
• Repeat visits throughout autumn to track changes over time.

Tree Species and Their Autumn Colours

Different trees change colour at different times, influenced by factors such as temperature, daylight, and rainfall. The table below shows typical autumn colours and timing for common species.

Factors Influencing Autumn Colour

The timing of autumn is influenced by factors including temperature, rainfall, and day length. Warmer autumns can delay colour change, while early frosts may accelerate it. By tracking these changes, scientists can better understand the impacts of climate change on our woodlands.

FAQ

By becoming an autumn spotter, you can contribute valuable data that helps scientists understand how climate change affects our forests. Join the Autumn Leaf Watch project today and help paint a picture of England's autumn.

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