Hopes of autumn glory as season arrives early in parts of southern England

Signs of mid-September are already here, which experts predict could create spectacular autumnal colours

The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is rolling in earlier than usual across parts of the south and south-east of England due to the soggy and sunny summer, according to forestry experts.

Ripening blackberries, sweetening chestnuts and burgeoning forest fruits - typically seasonal hallmarks of autumn normally seen from mid-September - are all evident, said Forestry England, which manages publicly owned forests.