AS THE seasons change so too the village landscapes that surround our ancient market town.

The damp dewy days of autumn are just around the corner.

The richly coloured treasures that will abound provide much delight to the appreciative Andovarian eye.

Our walks and bike rides make us aware of the quality on show.

We look forward to an abundance of blackberries, elderberries and sloes already showing with their unique, opaque bloom so bewitching to behold, all enhanced by the summer rains.

Mushrooms are in their element and foraging for fulsome specimens is deliciously rewarding, especially with their plate-mates of crispy bacon and plump tomatoes.

When exploring the wellstocked hedgerows with their vibrant shiny wares we are looking at the wildlife’s foodbank.

Silver birch, elms, oaks and their friends will soon be discarding their coats of foliage and will gradually become starkly vulnerable to the inevitable cold, wind and rain – but not before the wonderful autumn hues provide us with a glorious assortment of beautifully jewelled throws of scarlet, lemons, golds and fiery reds.

John Porter, Millway Road, Andover