I’M not an expert on trees but take pleasure in their existence.

So it has been with concern that in recent weeks when driving along the road from New Milton to Barton that I have seen what appears to be signs of autumn in the trees, especially the oaks.

Leaves are prematurely turning. Surely not in June! I thought maybe being woken from their slumbers in the warm spell in March they think they have had enough summer so therefore it must be autumn.

I also thought that with the weather lately they might be drowning.

My real concern is that with climate change they are struggling and have fallen victim to a disease that could be serious to the look of our countryside.

Has anybody else noticed the change in the trees or have an explanation?

DAVE ATHERTON, Westfield Gardens, Highcliffe