THE JAPANESE HAVE A WORD FOR IT
 Martial arts and sushi are two well-loved imports from Japan, but there's a third that people in Britain have been flocking to take part in and didn't even realise it - momijigari.
Momijigari is the traditional Japanese pastime of watching the changing colours of trees in autumn. We might not have a word for it but thousands of people take to the woods every year to see the riot of colours that nature has to display.
In Japan the most popular place to go to see the autumn colours would be Kyoto, where world leaders signed up to the Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Here, people can go to places as far north as Inverness and as far south as Cornwall, but one jewel in Britain's "momijigari crown" is Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire.
Westonbirt has a world-famous collection of trees, including specimens such as Japanese maples that add to the kaleidoscope of colours that will be on display for the next few weeks.
Hugh Angus, head of collections at Westonbirt, said: "We are very proud of our collection of trees and especially so of our 1,000 or more Japanese specimens. The Japanese maples are beautiful in autumn and are part of the variety of colour that make this time of year so spectacular.
"As well as the Japanese maples, the Hickories from America, Beech from Europe and Katsura from China make Westonbirt a real leaf-peeper's delight - a truly spectacular time for visitors
"All in all, Westonbirt is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of autumn. As well as seeing the colours, which make your heart soar, you can also do your body some good by walking about the grounds. What better way to feel healthier in body and soul."
Westonbirt is just one of more than 130 Forestry Commission centres across Britain where people will be able to see the best of the autumn colours. Foresters in every one of those centres will monitor the trees and rate them according to their colours on the website www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn
People will be able to log onto this site and check to find out when is the best time to see the colours near to them. Alternatively, people can call the information line on 0845 FORESTS (3673787) for an update.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Media enquiries about this release should be directed to Willie Cairns, Forestry Commission, tel: 0131 314 6443, mobile:07771 730510, email: willie.cairns@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
2. Pictures to accompany this story are available from the Forestry Commission picture library by contacting Willie Cairns, tel: 0131 314 6443 or Neill Campbell, tel: 0131 314 6411
3. The Forestry Commission offers hundreds of places for people to go and become healthier in body and mind through its activewoods campaign. Seeing autumn colours at this time of year is an ideal way to do this - activewoods: naturally stimulating.
|