Experts believe that this year's Autumnal colour display will be worth the wait after coming two weeks later than normal.

A Woodland Trust project has shown that the leaves have finally begun to turn and now trust experts believe that the wet weather could lead to more vivid colours.

Woodland Trust project manager Dr Kate Lewthwaite said: 'This year's weather conditions should create vibrant colours this autumn, making this year particularly great for 'leaf peeping'.

'Both chemical and weather conditions can have an effect on autumn colour, and this year's weather conditions have been optimum for an array of vibrant leaf tinting.'

The records collected for the Trust have also shown the best crop of autumn fruit since fruiting records started 12 years ago for crops of bramble, rowan and elder.

Dr Lewthwaite said: 'The good news for wildlife is that it should be much better placed to survive the winter this year thanks to the bountiful crop of fruit. This is particularly good for hibernating species that need to store enough fat reserves to last through winter.'

'Last year, birds and mammals suffered some of the poorest fruiting crop in years and this, coupled with the prolonged cold snap in spring, meant that many species had to endure a long period without a decent food supply.'