THE Forest of Dean is Europe’s ‘most colourful autumn destination’, according to a recent survey.

The survey by Icelandic airline Icelandair, analysed the five predominant colour palettes of 50 renowned autumn walking destinations, scoring each by its alignment with autumn colours, the diversity of its shades, and its overall vibrancy.

The Forest of Dean ranked third globally with a score of 9.17/10, whilst also making it Europe’s highest-ranking destination.

Forest of Dean trees have a varied mixture of oak, beech, birch, sweet chestnut and larch. Beech and sweet chestnut contribute gold and copper, oak leaves develop deeper russet and brown shades, and larch needles turn yellow before falling.

Its palette brings together deep woodland green, copper, amber orange, dark brown, and red-brown.