Summer is almost over, but with that comes a change in the seasons which brings new colours, smells and some of nature's best sights.

As the days draw in and the temperature drops, changes are happening all around us.

The fields that were once brimming with crops and insects are now bare and barren after harvesting.

The greenery we associate with the spring is turning to a mix of autumn hues; many shades of orange, red, yellow, and brown. Birds are flying away to spend the winter on warmer shores and native animals are stocking up on food for the cold season. It is as if nature is packing away for the winter.

Why not take a walk in the countryside this autumn and see all of these events happening right on your doorstep.

As you venture out, look up and you will see the leaves gradually turning to bright burnt colours and then tumbling off the branches and slowly dropping to the floor. Whilst walking along nobody can resist kicking up the carpet of leaves that litter the floo. It makes you feel just like you were ten years old again.

Look down and you may spot one of the hundreds of species of fungi that spring up out of the autumn ground. Their names range from the romantic to the downright absurd. What else would be called plums-and-custard, chicken-of-the-woods or jelly antler fungus.

But beware of the pretty colours and intriguing names, many types of fungi are poisonous and it is better to leave them well alone.

Other signs of autumn we all love are the sweet smell of blackberries as they ripen on brambles and the even sweeter taste as they pass our lips. Then there is the sight of conkers on the horse chestnut, and the incessant wait for them to fall before you can challenge for your first game.

One bird you should look out for on your autumn stroll is the fieldfare. These small creatures fly in from breeding in northern Europe and descend on our hawthorn hedges looking for bright berries to gobble up after their long journey. You can probably hear them before you can see them as their chattering calls ring out.

One of the best places to see autumn colour around Buckinghamshire are Dancers End Nature Reserve south east of Aylesbury. Here the berries of Dogwood and guelder-rose can be picked out amongst the changing leaves. Millfield Wood Nature Reserve just north of High Wycombe is full of beech, field maple, willows and wild cherry trees. Woodland fungi litter the floor as you walk through the area. Ancient Hodgemore Woods near Chalfont-St-Giles and Wendover Woods with views over Aylesbury Vale are worth a visit.

Whilst you are out and about why not look out for some of the signs of autumn and join in the BBC's Autumn Watch campaign. They want to hear about things like when you saw the last swift departing these shores, the first hawthorn berries appearing on bushes and the first tint of oak.

To record your sightings log on to the Autumn Watch website at www.bbc.co.uk/autumnwatch.

The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) has a series of walks leaflets you can enjoy this autumn. Call 01865 775476 now to receive your free copies.