UK to have 'mixed bag' of autumnal displays and vegetable patches due to soggy year

Experts have warned tree crowns remaining at 'full sail' increases the threat of damage caused by storms - and the weather is proving troublesome for autumn vegetable harvests

The UK will have a “mixed bag” of autumnal displays and vegetable patches thanks to a soggy year, the National Trust said.

Many trees have been helped to hang on to their leaves for longer following the wet spring and cooler than average summer. But experts have warned tree crowns remaining at "full sail" increases the threat of damage caused by autumn storms.

The year’s weather conditions are also proving troublesome for traditional autumn vegetable harvests. Pamela Smith, from the National Trust, said climate change has made the timings of the traditional autumn tree displays less certain. She said: “We’ve seen a real mixed bag of conditions so far this year – particularly the soggy start.

“But if we see a gradual drop in temperature along with more settled weather, we could expect to see a drawn-out display. However, if we get sharp, hard, frosts or see further wet weather that may cut any extended show short.”