Forestry Commission Scotland is urging the public to get out into the woods to enjoy the sights of autumn as the season reaches its peak.

For weeks now, foresters have been monitoring the colour changes at woods in Glentress, Cardrona and Thornilee forests as part of the Commission's national Autumn Colours campaign. At the moment the trees are showing off a dazzling array of red, yellow and golden leaves.

Jeremy Thompson of Forestry Commission Scotland in the Borders says:

"The colder nights and frosty mornings trigger off the dramatic colour changes of the leaves. We are having some pretty wet weather just now but hopefully we'll get a dry spell by the weekend, just in time to don the walking boots or take to the saddle and make the most of the season. Autumn is one of the favourite times for many people who enjoy getting out and about and seeing parts of the forest.

"The Tweed Valley has plenty of places to go too. Glentress is a great place to start for the family with the pond walks being very scenic on a clear day with nice blue skies. If you've got more energy, the biking trails will get you further out into the forest for big landscape views. You can also stop off at the Hub Cafe for a great cup of tea and slice of cake to top off an autumn outing. Cardrona and Thornilee are certainly a lot quieter but there plenty of views to take in so if peace and tranquillity is your thing, I'd recommend a visit there instead."

The forests being monitored in Borders as part of the Autumn Colours campaign are:

• Glentress - one mile east of Peebles on the A72. World renown biking trails, large variety of forest walks both long and short.
• Cardrona - just outside Peebles on the B7062. Network of walking and horseriding trails with stunning views of the Tweed Valley.
• Thornilee -past Walkerburn on the A72. Popular picnic site and car park elevated with views of the Tweed Valley. Walking trails up higher into the forest are popular.

More information on all the walks, cycling routes and viewpoints in national forests throughout Great Britain and in the Borders is available on the Commission's Autumn Colours website, www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn, or call the public enquiry line, 0845 FORESTS (0845 367 3787).

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Jeremy Thompson, Scottish Borders Forest District 01750 721 120 or Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.