14 October 2025
Why do leaves change colour in autumn? Forestry England reveals nature's autumn magic
Have you ever wondered why leaves transform from green into glowing reds, fiery oranges, and shimmering golds each autumn? It's one of nature's most spectacular shows, and Forestry England is revealing the fascinating science behind it.
Ellen Whitby, Learning Manager at Forestry England’s Westonbirt Arboretum
says:
"Every autumn, our forests turn into magical places where families can experience the wonders of nature up close.”
But why does this happen?
In spring and summer, leaves are green because of something called chlorophyll. This clever substance helps trees capture sunlight and turn it into food. You can think of chlorophyll like tiny solar panels in each leaf, soaking up sunshine to help trees to grow.
When autumn arrives and the days grow shorter, trees start getting ready for their long winter rest. They stop making the green chlorophyll, and that's when the magic begins.
Hidden beneath the green all along are amazing yellow and orange pigments called carotenoids, like secret treasure waiting to be revealed. Some trees even create brand new red and purple colours in autumn called anthocyanins, adding to the spectacular display.
Dan Crowley, Conservation Manager at Forestry England’s Westonbirt Arboretum
continues:
"Imagine the green chlorophyll is like a big green blanket covering a rainbow underneath. When autumn comes, the trees pull away that green blanket and – ta-da! – reveal all those incredible hidden colours”
This autumn is the perfect time for families to become nature detectives in England's forests. Every walk becomes an exciting treasure hunt. Can you spot golden birches, fiery red maples, or bright orange cherry trees? How many different colours can you count?
Forestry England manages over 1,500 woods and forests across the country, many featuring special family trails designed for young explorers. Most locations offer pushchair-friendly paths, so everyone can join the autumn colour hunt!
Find your nearest forest and plan your colourful adventure at www.forestryengland.uk.
Notes to Editor
Images and video explaining why leaves change colour are available here. Please credit: Photographer Name, Forestry England/Crown copyright.
- Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 313 million visits in 2024/25. We use our scale and expertise to grow and care for the nation’s forests for this generation and the next. We are continuing the work we have already started to make the nation’s forests resilient to climate change and by 2026 we will:
- create at least 6,000 more hectares where we integrate wilding activities in our productive forests.
- increase the diversity of visitors to the nation’s forests and have one million hours of high-quality volunteer time given to the nation’s forests.
- plant at least 2,000 hectares of new, high-quality woodlands.
For more information visit forestryengland.uk. Forestry England is an agency of the Forestry Commission.
Media Contact:
Becky Ulewicz, Media Relations Manager | media@forestryengland.uk