WYEDEAN is making a bid to be recognised as the UK’s ‘leaf peeping’ capital, with the launch of a new initiative this autumn.

The growing popularity of ‘Leaf Peeping’ tourism is about people enjoying the changing seasons and travelling to view and photograph the colourful foliage.

A ‘Chief Leaf Peeper’ for Wyedean has been appointed in the form of foliage expert Paul Rutter, who has overseen the creation of a mapped 50-mile ‘Leaf Peeping Drive’ with 10 hotspots to visit.

Ross-on-Wye-based Paul, a tree specialist and woodland advisor for Plant Life with 45 years of experience, said: “This region has one of the UK’s finest displays of foliage for the autumn which makes it perfect for Leaf Peepers.

“It is the time to embrace the changing seasons and celebrate the important role that trees play on our planet.

“They are fascinating and we still have so much to learn about their ecosystems and the connections they have to other lifeforms is totally understated.”

The Wyedean area, which encompasses sections of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, is well known for its annual symphony of colour, with more than 20 million trees of mixed species spread over its 200 square miles.

And the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism Association is looking to take advantage of its seasonal riot of colour that rivals the likes of New England and Japan with its new inititiative.

“Our members are ready to welcome visitors with open arms this autumn and the experts are predicting a show-stopping glow following  a wet June which they say plays a key role in a colourful autumn season,” said spokeswoman Helen O’Kane.

“It is a delight to watch the trees start to light up as the days begin to draw in.

The majestic oak, ash, birch, beech, larch, sweet chestnut, maple and tulip trees contrast beautifully with our evergreens. “We believe our extensive woodlands, sweeping river valleys, rocky outcrops and diverse species of trees give us the winning formula to be crowned ‘Leaf Peeping’ capital of the UK,” she added..

The new 50-mile ‘Leaf Peeping Drive’ is a circuit that can be picked up at any point, and includes ten identified ‘hotspots’. Starting from Symonds Yat Rock the route heads through dense deciduous woodland to reach The Kymin viewpoint.

From here follow the road clinging to the Wye with its oak, beech and ash riverbanks to reach Tintern Abbey.

The drive now heads deep into the Forest of Dean and takes in Puzzlewood’s ancient woodland before reaching New Fancy’s 360-degree forest views.

Visitors will enjoy miles of unbroken woodland along forest roads including 200 different tree species with a stop at Cyril Hart Arboretum before calling in at Beechenhurst and then Cannop Ponds, to then re-join the Wye, crossing Kerne Bridge.

Businesses are backing the campaign with leafy ideas, while there will also be forest bathing, wildlife safaris and photography workshops led by experts.

The in-depth guide is online and features a downloadable PDF of the ‘Leaf Peeping Drive’ and the 10 ‘Hotspots’.

The guide also includes Paul Rutter’s specially created ‘Leaf Peeping’ short walks, as well as other ways to enjoy the autumn foliage, plus professional photographer David Broadbent’s Big Lens Botany Tips.

The Leaf Peeping Guide is available at www.wyedeantourism.co.uk/leafpeeperswelcome