I’ve noticed since we’ve lived in the Derwent Valley these last two years that there’s one day in April when all the poplar leaves fall – it’s almost a synchronised phenomenon. Last year I promised myself I would capture photos of the brilliant yellowing of the leaves, but in one single night, almost every leaf fell to the ground. I’d missed the opportunity.

So this week I was taking no chances and two days ago took photos of the poplars in their prime, and again this morning as the leaves are just beginning to fall.

What a spectacular sight as you can see for yourself from these pictures, all of which were taken within the space of a couple of kilometres along Molesworth Road.