THE picturesque villages all around our ancient market town will have already felt the fresh breath of autumn.

It is evident as Eric, the mushroom man, enjoys foraging for the fruits of the ripen fields.

All around him nature’s splendid early morning canvas is splashed with lemons, ambers and fiery reds vividly contrasting with the dour black and white of winter to come.

The warm spring and no late frosts have ensured it has been an excellent growing season for all manner of fruit.

See them swell on the slowly bending boughs.

Leaves are falling like burning tears and provide a kaleidoscope of colourful joy as they jostle and dance together to the tune held on the breeze.

Darkness is closing in sooner now as woollies and wellies are readied.

The assembled birds crowd around in an excited chorus of chirruping discussion amid the annual cascade of tints and hues. Migration plans are high on their agenda.

The crystal glaze of the chilly frosts provide a satisfying soft crispy crunch under foot.

A sharp intake of breath and the blood races, for there is a bracing tang in the air as the morning dew sparkles on the bejewelled cobwebs.

The scent, the smell, the aroma of newly turned earth accompanied by the musical clink of stone on prong orchestrates future garden plans. The friendly robin nods his approval.

So embrace this emotive time of year, for the seasonal magic of autumn is truly an old friend and is to be welcomed and enjoyed!

John Porter, Millway Road, Andover