Autumn Colours

by Panny Laing

Have you ever wondered why leaves become such wonderful colours in the autumn?  Well, as so often, there is a bit of science to the process.

Starting with the green colour in the leaves. Chlorophyll is the green photosynthetic pigment found in plants, algae and some bacteria; it captures the energy in sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars which are then transported around the plant and stored in the leaves.  Plants need sunlight and warmth to produce chlorophyll (think of the colour of grass when it has been covered for a while), which is also destroyed by bright sunlight.  In summer it is continuously created keeping the leaves green.

Logie House Garden in Autumn

The actual composition in the leaves varies from plant to plant and makes them all behave slightly differently.  Some trees turn yellow rather than red.  The natural loss of chlorophyll in the cold autumn unmasks the yellow carotinoids (yes, the main pigment in carrots) that were there all along.  The trees that turn yellow will reliably do so every autumn as the colour is there and does not have to be made, unlike the red colouration - read on!

 

Darmera peltata

As a tree prepares to shed its leaves in autumn, a layer of cells form across the base of the leaf stalk restricting the movement of sugars back into the body of the tree.  Concentrated in the leaf, sugars react with proteins in the cell sap to produce anthocyanin, a purply red pigment that causes apples to turn red and black grapes purple.  Crucially, the production of anthocyanin is boosted by sunlight, drought and temperatures staying above freezing. The perfect conditions for good autumn colour are cold, but not freezing, nights and bright sunny days.  In dry weather the leaf sugars become concentrated and produce more anthocyanin.  Photosynthesis will still take place on sunny days using up the remaining chlorophyll (which is also destroyed by the cold), making the sugars more concentrated leading to more production of anthocyanin.  So the weather conditions makes quite a difference to the autumn colours .... cloudy wet autumns certainly lead to drabber autumn leaves.

 

Acer capillipes

All trees do things differently which creates the rich tapestry of colours at this spectacular time of the year.

Logie House Garden is open to the public every day (10am - 5pm),

as is Logie Steading Farm & Garden Shop (10am to 5pm, 4pm in winter)

where many of the plants for sale are propagated here in the garden.

27th October 2020
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Autumn Colours

Terms & Conditions for fishing on Logie Estate

  1. Fishing on the river is restricted to 2 rods per beat and is to be by fly only. All fishing is from the right bank. By arrangement with the neighbouring estate there is no left bank fishing on the Relugas Middle and Top beats.
  2. The fishing is split into two 2 rod beats, Logie and Relugas, with Relugas sub divided into Middle and Top.  Beats can be taken together or separately. Logie is fished Monday to Saturday, Relugas Middle on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and Relugas Top on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Beats change at midnight.
  3. Fishermen must contact Logie Estate office on 01309 611300 a day or so before arrival to organise being shown onto the river. A map of pools, beats and access routes will be provided.
  4. Bio-security is important to the future of the river and anglers are asked to observe protection measures. The Findhorn District Fishery Board Conservation Code will be strictly observed. To summarise: All fish caught up to 14th May inclusive must be released. From 15th May, all salmon over 9 lbs / 4 kg / 28 inches / 72 cm are to be returned.  Below that measurement at least 70% of salmon and 50% of grilse caught should be released and a maximum of 1 salmon and / or 2 grilse per rod per week may be retained. In September all fish are to be returned. No gaffs or tailers are allowed.
  5. The Findhorn District Fishery Board Bio-security measures will be strictly observed and all fishermen in the party must sign the Bio-security Declaration. (Also available at http://www.fnlft.org.uk/downloads/)
  6. The Estate recommends that barbless hooks are used, fishermen are in possession of a disgorger and that knotless nets are used. All possible care should be taken when returning fish to the river, they should be handled as little, and gently, as possible and should not be removed from the water.
  7. The catch should be reported at the end of each day of fishing to Logie Estate Office on 01309 611300. If the office is closed, please leave a message on the answering machine with the date, weight and pool. Please also report a nil catch day.
  8. Dogs are allowed on the river but must be kept strictly under control at all times. The Estate reserves the right to ask tenants to remove dogs if they are considered to be out of control.
  9. Rod, line and fly size are dependent on prevailing weather and water conditions and personal choice. In general, maximum rod length needed is 13ft with a size 8 or 9 line, usually floating. Fly sizes range from 6 – 8 in the spring down to 12 or less in summer low water.
  10. Safety must be considered at all times. All beats have a variety of pools with some suitable for most heights of water. Little wading is necessary and river paths are good however the fishing is within the Findhorn gorge, access to some of the pools is quite steep and a degree of rock scrambling is often necessary when playing and landing fish. Please be aware that a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required. A buoyancy aid for each rod is provided and should be collected from Logie Estate Office on arrival, and returned to the Estate Office (or to the outbuilding opposite if office is closed) on departure. Logie Estate strongly recommends that buoyancy aids are worn when fishing and not doing so is entirely at fishermen’s own risk. Please pay attention at all times, avoid slips and falls, wear appropriate footwear, look out for overhead electricity lines, watch the weather and pay attention to livestock. Take extra care if fishing alone.
  11. Anglers need to supply or hire their own equipment (except buoyancy aids, which are provided).
  12. Ghillieing/tuition is available by on a first come, first served basis. This must be booked in advance with the Estate Office and is subject to availability. A half day ghillieing/tuition is approx. 3 hours, full day approx. 6 hours. Please contact the estate office or check our website for current rates. Rates do not include discretionary tips.
  13. Rod, Reel & Line hire is available by on a first come, first served basis. This must be booked in advance with the Estate Office and is subject to availability. Please contact the estate office or check our website for current rates. A rod, reel and line set is for one person and is subject to a fully refundable damage deposit of £100.
  14. Aside from fishermen, others, including rafters and kayakers, enjoy this stretch of river and mutual respect and consideration is expected.
  15. Bookings are confirmed when initial payment is received. Subsequent changes in dates or number or rods are entirely subject to the Estate’s discretion and to availability. Change of dates, if accepted, incur an administration fee. In the event of a cancellation the tenant must advise Logie Estate immediately, whereupon Logie will endeavour to re-let. If a new tenant can be found the deposit will be returned less any expenses incurred for advertising, office costs, etc., and less any shortfalls in discounted list price. Until such time as a vacancy has been re-let the hirer is responsible for making any further payment by the due dates. Failure to do so may mean that the hirer forfeits any refund if the dates are re-let. If it is not possible to re-let, all payments are still payable by the due date(s). It is unlikely that a refund can be made for a late cancellation. Logie Estate recommends that fishermen take out relevant cancellation insurance.
  16. Subletting fishing is only allowed with Logie Estate’s permission.
  17. Logie Estate reserves the right to immediately withdraw fishing without compensation from anyone who breaks these or associated conditions, or flouts normal standards of behaviour or fishing etiquette.