It's bonkers to have been worrying about conkers!

Predictions of a 'false autumn' after a hot summer have not been realised...

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AUTUMN is set to bring an abundance of acorns, conkers and hedgerow fruit this year, with initial concerns over impacts from the hot summer and drought being allayed, the National Trust said.

Experts from the conservation charity say the UK is seeing a 'mast year' - a phenomenon occurring around once every four years, in which certain tree species produce unusually high numbers of nuts and berries.

They also predict a long, colourful autumn display in many of the trust's gardens, parklands and woodlands in the coming weeks because of the recent plentiful sunshine combined with some late rainfall.

The conditions have put the brakes on the start of a 'false autumn' in some areas, which is when stress caused to plants by prolonged hot, dry conditions can prompt the premature shedding of leaves and early ripening of fruits.

The National Trust also said most of the sites in its care escaped the impacts of Storm Amy this past week relatively unscathed.