THIS autumn could be more colourful than ever with waves of reds, oranges and yellows expected to transform Hampshire’s beauty spots as the cold weather hits.

An ideal mix of sunshine and rain has provided good growing conditions for trees, allowing sugars to build up in their leaves to help them develop vibrant autumn hues.

Mike Buffin, the National Trust’s gardens and parks adviser said: “This summer was our ninth hottest and seventh sunniest since records began, so we could be in for some spectacular autumn foliage this year; in fact, the best we’ve seen for many years.

“All we need now are a few cold nights to stress the trees and shrubs and trigger a spectacular autumnal display. Cold weather is forecast over the next few days, so everything is coming together perfectly.”

Richard Burke, the Forestry Commission’s forest manager in the south of the New Forest, said: “Because it was such a wet summer last year, trees began this summer with plenty of water and have not dried out too much despite the summer heat. This recipe of plenty of sunshine and rain in equal measure means we can expect a magnificent array of colour.

“There’s only a very short window to see these beautiful changes occurring so we’re encouraging people to get out and see what the forests and trees have on offer this autumn.”

The best time to soak up the colour will be between now and the first week of November.

Send us your autumn pictures and the best could win a prize! Email them to: picdesk@dailyecho.co.uk