Britain could have first 'green Christmas' as climate change warms autumn

Britain could soon have its first 'green Christmas' because of the dramatic effect of climate change, environmental experts are predicting.

Trees that used to shed their leaves in autumn are now often still in leaf in mid December.

Scientists say it is only a matter of time before foliage remains until the end of the month.

According to records, oak trees - considered a good indicator as they are found across the UK - shed their leaves between November 4 and 21 in the 1930s and 1940s.

But since 2000 the process has happened no earlier than November 23 and as late as December 13.

Dr Tim Sparks, of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Cambridgeshire, said: 'Sooner or later we will get a green Christmas, when the trees are still in leaf.

'In four of the past six or seven years there have still been leaves on the trees in December, so a green Christmas is not so much of a joke now.

'It will only take a delay in one or two frosts and we could have one. It's possible it will happen this year.'

Dr Sparks added: 'Because the temperatures are remaining up there's still a lot of activity and growth.

'Lawns are still growing and people are still mowing and the trees are unseasonably green.

'We are still getting butterflies and other insects flying and there are lots of fungi, such as mushrooms.

'I've scraped my windscreen only once this year. We haven't really had a frost yet.'

A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: 'We've never had a bet on a green Christmas but we wouldn't rule it if we could find a way of adjudicating.'