HARCOURT Arboretum has begun to melt into a rich medley of autumnal shades.

The Oxford University garden’s acer glade has already turned to a melting pot of deep reds, ambers and gold.

Luke Rowland, one of two tree specialists at the arboretum, said: “A lot of the maples, especially the Japanese maples, have gone a really nice colour.

“What I’m most looking forward to is we have a few deciduous conifers, pine trees that aren’t evergreen. The larches and dawn redwood they will go a really nice autumn colour.

“In the next couple of weeks it is going to look spectacular.”

This week Mr Rowland, 24, of Wantage, has been carrying out hazardous tree inspections, checking for funghi that could harm the trees.

The arboretum is open every day from 10am to 5pm and entrance costs £4.50 for adults and £3 for concessions.

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