The National Trust is inviting people to escape into nature, as autumn officially arrives after a false start this summer, and lose themselves in the kaleidoscope of colours waiting to be discovered in woodlands and gardens all across the North West.
Chris Dunkerley, Lead Ranger at Lyme, said:
‘You’d be forgiven for thinking that autumn had arrived early this year, with the leaves on some trees starting to change colour and fall back in the summer, but this was a result of the high temperatures and a serious lack of rain, which meant some trees simply didn’t have enough water, causing the leaves to wilt and die.
Now the days are getting shorter and temperatures are starting to drop, autumn is on its way and the leaves of those trees that weren’t adversely affected by the summer weather are turning shades of red, orange, brown and yellow as nature’s colourful seasonal show begins.
We know that being in nature makes us feel good and is vital to our wellbeing, allowing us to take time out, recharge and feel refreshed, and autumn is a great time to get outside.’
From the fiery red acer archway at Dunham Massey to the yellow lime trees lining the drive at Speke Hall, there are plenty of places across the North West to get away from it all and surround yourself with the soothing shades of autumn as nature rolls out the red carpet.
Here are some of the National Trust’s top spots for autumn colour in the North West:
Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester
Discover one of the finest collections of veteran trees in England as they put on an autumnal show in Dunham Massey’s park. Take in the long avenues of ancient copper beech trees as they turn into pathways of golds, reds and yellows. In the garden, the birch triangle with its silvery bark glows white in the late afternoon light, whilst in the acer meadow the crossover of branches creates a red and orange canopy overhead. Look out for autumn-flowering cherry trees and cyclamen bulbs too. For a sensory highlight, sniff out the katsura tree as you wander the canal border – as the heart-shaped leaves drop, the scent of candyfloss lingers in the air. Dunham Massey is also home to a herd of fallow deer, which you can see from a network of accessible paths and tracks through the parkland. If you’re lucky you might see and hear one of nature’s autumn spectacles as the bucks compete for status in the deer rut, roaring and clashing antlers.
Plan a visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Lyme, Cheshire
The trees at Lyme are already glowing with autumn colour. Heading up the Gritstone trail into Knightslow Wood, the beech trees create a tunnel of rustling orange leaves in contrast with the conifer plantations in nearby Hampers Wood and Hase Bank. Lantern Wood is also a great place to enjoy the full range of colour in Lyme’s woodlands and moors as well as views right across to Greater Manchester. In the garden, the West Terrace overlooks some of the exotic trees brought to Lyme by famed horticulturist Vicary Gibbs in the early 1900s. Look out for fiery reds from the dogwood tree, as well as the delicate buds of the autumn-flowering cherry. Close to the Italian Garden, the leaves of the spindle trees will start to turn a distinctive shade of pink as the season progresses. Around the car park and Timber Yard, horse chestnuts are beginning to drop their conkers. These provide an important food source for the red deer as they start to store up fat ahead of the long winter, especially the stags, who are already sporting deep red coats and fine antlers as they compete over females. Listen out for their distinctive deep bellows, which you can hear right across the moorland.
Plan a visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme
Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Explore beyond the mill at Quarry Bank and catch autumn colour cascading down through the woods and into the gardens – look out for reds, golds and bronze set against a bright blue autumn sky. Head to the Tennis Lawn and you’ll see a Persian ironwood tree that was planted this year to commemorate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – it’ll be easy to spot with its flaking bark and leaves that turn yellow, red and purple in autumn. Crunch through leaves along rugged paths or take a more leisurely stroll along the accessible pathways that are ideal for wheelchairs or those looking for a shorter walk. Keep your eyes peeled for fungi poking through the leaves too, such as the wonderfully named shaggy scalycap, puffballs and chicken of the woods. The beech trees turn a lovely golden colour at this time of year and there’ll be conkers falling from the veteran horse chestnut trees around Styal village. If you’re on the Giant’s Castle walk, you might see the some of the 11,000 trees recently planted by our rangers, adding to the collection of oak, beech and exotic trees growing in this ancient semi-natural woodland and creating even more autumn colour to enjoy. For hands-on autumn activities, join in with Apple Days on 22 & 23 October to taste different apples, sip freshly pressed apple juice, get stuck into some apple themed crafts and have a go at traditional apple bobbing. Refuel after a day of exploring in the mill café – grab a window seat to take in more seasonal views.
Plan a visit: www.nationaltrfust.org.uk/quarry-bank
Alderley Edge, Cheshire
Wander through the beautiful beech woods at Alderley Edge, decked out in autumnal colours – the woods take on a golden glow during the autumn months, especially when the low sun catches the different shades of gold, copper and green. Big and little kids will find it difficult to resist the crunch of leaves under foot or the opportunity to catch a leaf as it swirls down from above. As you explore, you may come across features such as Wizards Well, Devils Grave and Golden Stone, which appear in local myths and legends and are featured in The Weirdstone of Brisingamen written by local author Alan Garner.
Plan a visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/alderley-edge
