Slow Changes

Each day we think must be the last of this extended period of settled weather. The changes are measured: today there are small patches of ground frost;

that's been helped by less of a breeze than yesterday's; but from the south east rather than north. The sun now rises at about 96 degrees. We might be deceived that leaves have changed a lot but much of the effect comes from the October morning light. In truth many trees still show minimal colour change.

Watching these changes day by day feels like a luxury most people can't share; but this morning has been one of the best. Even the patches of mist have chosen the most favourable parts to settle. Birds heading west have it easy with no wind to battle against. Just two deer a stag and a hind partly hidden ...

Paths through the woods are at their most inviting.

Many of the leaves are now lying below so will not get the chance to give us a feast of colour on the trees but some of the common ground cover plants are doing their bit. Bramble's thorny stems are crimson and a selection of their leaves as vivid as anything in the woods.

The small Whitebeam is in a hollow where its berries have survived better than most Rowan.

Higher up the tree fungi appreciate the extra colouring brought by early sunlight.