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Summer 2025 was one of the hottest on record according to weather experts, but it seemed to turn into autumn overnight and temperatures have substantially dropped and the trees are beginning to turn colourful.

But some people are noticing something else this autumn that might mean a ‘cold harsh winter’ is due for the end of this year.

According to old folklore, one sign that many have seen recently could signal chilly days ahead - and whether you’re in a city or the countryside the more observant among the population will have spotted this colourful sight.

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Trees of all kinds are laden with berries after the hot summer months the UK experienced, with Hawthorn and Rowan trees heavy with small red fruits and an old saying goes that ‘an abundance of berries is a sign of a cold winter to come’.

Nature experts have looked into the science of this and revealed whether there is any truth in this statement from old folklore - and most conclude that an abundance of berries likely reflects favourable growing conditions rather than a prediction of the winter to come.

Woodlands.co.uk looked into the topic the last time it occurred (2010), reporting that ‘our holly trees were full with their bright red berries, and that according to folklore this was a sign that a hard winter was to come’.

The Woodlands.co.uk website added: “There is no clear logic to this, as it is the spring weather that determines whether there are insects around for the flowers to be pollinated, plus sun and warmth in early autumn to help the berries to ripen.

“The berries are particularly plump and abundant this year. The last ‘good berry’ year was last year (2009) and the winter that followed was the coldest for some 30 years.

“Already, we are experiencing cold and severe weather conditions (back in 2010 when it was a harsh winter) so perhaps the berries are ‘right' again.”

Time will tell as to whether the berries will mean a cold winter for 2025, but birds and wild animals will certainly be glad of the nourishment in hedgerows, city trees in parks or on streets.

The Bannisters Yorkshire Family farm shared a post on their blog, they said: “There’s an old wives tale which says that an abundance of berries in the hedgerows is a sign of a cold winter to come. Well if that's the case, we’re heading for a very cold one.

“Our hawthorn hedges are absolutely laden with berries this year and whilst that might not be good news amongst those who prefer a milder climate, if the tale is to be believed, it’s certainly great news for wildlife.”