The UK’s hottest summer on record has triggered a “mast year”, when trees and shrubs produce an unusually large number of fruits and nuts like acorns, conkers and berries.
But concerns about the hot and dry conditions creating a so-called “false autumn” have been allayed in some areas, according to the National Trust, after experiencing late rainfall.
The conservation charity has set out its prediction for a long, colourful autumn display in the coming weeks, while also warning of the ongoing challenge of climate change.
It says volatile weather patterns pose an increasing challenge for experts as they struggle to predict autumn conditions.
What is a ‘mast year’?
Berries, acorns, and fungi are already abundant and are a welcome boost for wildlife. But this year the weather has encouraged certain plants to produce a bumper crop of fruits, nuts and berries (whose collective term is “mast”).
The National Trust says the UK is experiencing a “mast year”, which typically happens around once every four years.
This phenomenon involves trees and shrubs creating “more food than animals can possibly eat”, according to the Woodland Trust, which adds that this guarantees some of the crop will be left over to survive and germinate.
Emily Chandler, head gardener at the National Trust’s Dunham Massey in Cheshire, said the volume of acorns is “the largest we have ever seen”.
Meanwhile, Claire McNally, head gardener at the Rowallane Garden in Northern Ireland, also said they are looking forward to their best berry season for at least five years.
A ‘false autumn’ can…
