‘Second spring’ as UK experiences record above-average temperatures

Nature's cycle disrupted by summer heatwave and exceptionally mild' autumn, with dormant plants bursting back to life

Among the yellow and brown clumps of fallen leaves and the skeletal frames of deciduous trees this autumn are some surprising finds: green shoots and bright flowers.

Recent mild temperatures and wet conditions have encouraged some plants that should be going into dormancy for the winter to burst back into life, experts have said, with possible disruptive effects on nature's cycles.