Forest of Dean residents invited to track autumn leaf changes

Forestry England has launched a nationwide citizen science project inviting the public to track and record autumn leaf changes. Participants can use a new online autumn colour tracker to document seasonal shifts in different regions, habitats, and tree species.

The initiative aims to gather data on how forests respond to environmental conditions. Chris Sorenson, Forest Management Advisor at Forestry England, noted that understanding the timing and intensity of autumn colours is increasingly important for monitoring forest health and resilience in the context of a changing climate. While a recent hot and dry summer has placed trees under stress, officials suggest that upcoming rainfall could still lead to significant seasonal displays.