Peter Dowdall: Ireland's autumn display should be as spectacular as New England

'I understand we need wider roads but am aghast the powers that be see fit to bulldoze over mature trees'

Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park, Maine: We probably all think of New England when we think autumn colour, writes Peter Dowdall. Picture: iStock

Soon, we will be treated to one of the real colour bonanzas of the natural calendar, that of autumn colour as deciduous trees and shrubs change colour from their spring and summer greens to more autumnal hues.

I think we are vitally connected to the seasons and I certainly feel myself slowing down in the autumn after the frenetic pace of summer and so too do the plants.