Beeches and Leaves

Beech trees, Wapley Hill, early November 2008

I have noticed that in recent heavy rains and strong winds the leaves generally are starting to fall from the trees. The beech in the garden has lost all but a few tufts of branches but this is down to its reaction to light. The beech trees have been spectacular this year; dull golds and fiery reds, shimmering bronzes; all on the same tree. The other dominant colour is an acid yellow from the maples; the trees look lit from within, as if each leaf generates light.