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Page last updated at 08:16 GMT, Monday, 12 October 2009 09:16 UK

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In Pictures: Autumn at Westonbirt

Autumn 2009 at Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire

The National Arboretum at Westonbirt is one of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world (All photos taken by Steve and Deb from Cheltenham)

Over 3,000 different trees and shrub species can be seen all year round but during Autumn the colours are simply stunning.

The arboretum covers 600 acres and is a great place for a walk with the dog, the family or on your own.

Vibrant colours are on show both in the Old Arboretum and Silk Wood. Yellows, reds, pinks and oranges with some green and multi coloured trees as they begin to turn.

As we get further into October the colours at Westonbirt Arboretum will surely only get deeper and more beautiful. The brightest colours are seen when late summer is dry and autumn has bright sunny days and cool nights.

What makes the leaves change colour? As the days shorten and the nights get cooler, chemical changes take place and a hormone is released that slows the sap flow to each leaf.