Foliage photos: Autumn in the UK and Ireland

Every year before winter arrives, autumn transforms our usual green landscape into a vibrant display of colours.

The changing autumn leaf colour, or autumn foliage is a phenomenon that affects green leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs, turning them various shades of red, brown, orange, yellow and purple.

It occurs due to less sunlight hours and cooler temperatures in autumn, which reduces the need for chlorophyll in the leaves. As the pigment breaks down, xanthophyll and carotene becomes more visible, producing the yellow and red hues.

There are many beautiful places around the world to witness nature's magical painting. Whilst forests and woodlands are an obvious place to start, you don't have to travel far to witness autumn scenery. Parks, gardens and arboretums also offer enchanting visits.

Here are some of our top picks across the UK and Ireland:

Have you captured any autumn foliage? Send us in your pictures for us to feature here.