I live and get involved in countryside conservation work in Surrey and one of the things that I've noticed this past week is the early change of colour in the leaves. Some, like beech, seem to be changing colour a good few weeks ahead of normal, while others, like ash, that were slower to come into leaf this year, still retain their green foliage. I suppose that it is mainly down to the topsy-turvey summer we've had this year. Is the same true of other parts of the country? Have you noticed trees changing colour earlier that normal?

I have noticed the same in that some leaves seem to be turning brown already, and in some cases evn beginning to line the floor already. I guess it is to do with the wet weather we've had all summer, it must mess up a lot of nature biological "clock".

Hi Timberwolf, up here in Lancashire I have noticed that the Rowans have had berries for longer. Our Rowan in the garden got stripped about three weeks ago by the starlings. Last wednesday night at work I saw our flock of some 40 starlings (who roost on the drill tower ) attack the last of the rowans, whilst the resident blackbird was trying to protect his stock!!! As far as trees go we still have good canopies, the beech and the rowan are the only ones starting to show signs of changing. This is quite late for us as we usually see some leaf colour by now.

I've seen some leaves changing, it definitely started earlier than usual but has been fairly slow I think as at this stage there are about as many brown leaves as usual.