An autumn in Lancashire

An autumn in Lancashire

Image by tanglewest

Youth Council member and keen naturalist, Tanglewest, writes about the wonders of autumn in Lancashire

The autumn in Lancashire is beautiful. I moved to Lancaster three years ago and one of the most wonderful things I have discovered is how colourful autumn is. I am always amazed at how quickly the vibrant greens of summer are replaced by the shock of autumn oranges and reds in the trees. It is easy to dismiss autumn as a period in which nature dies off and retreats as the days get darker earlier, and we move towards winter, but autumn has its own incredible natural abundance. 

Image by Tanglewest

Image by Tanglewest

Though we may look out on the thick fog and heavy rain with some annoyance, the bountiful fungi that emerge with the wetter weather, in amongst the spongy mosses always seems magical to me. The berries that weigh down the hawthorn trees, and the vivid splashes of bright purple from heathers working their way across slopes amongst the bracken, stand out all the more against the sometimes-grey autumn skies. 

Heather by Tanglewest

Image by Tanglewest

Perhaps the most exciting revelation, though, has been how much of this is right on my doorstep. In the cracks between brick in the wall, or simply looking straight up into a tree. Finding the time, often only 10 seconds, but when I can, much longer, to take in the detail of a minute mushroom or glory in the falling autumn leaves has brought me much needed moments of reflection and peace as I wait for a bus in an otherwise hectic and busy day.  

Moss by Tanglewest

Image by Tanglewest