Autumnal highlights: Sweet sensation

As part of Westonbirt's activities for families this October, Caroline Bennett from our Learning and Participation Team has created a trail of autumnal highlights which will run from 29 October - 2 November. Here are some of the fascinating facts she has researched...

Take a sniff at Westonbirt in autumn and you may occasionally be surrounded by the mouth-watering scent of caramel. The tree responsible is the Japanese katsura.

The scent results from the release of aromatic chemicals from the leaves as they break down and is particularly strong after frosty nights.

Katsura is also renowned for its autumn colours, which vary widely according to age, soil type and weather; from lemon sherbet yellow, through nougat pink to gobstopper red!

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