The fading sun brings an energy change to Britain. A time of storms and unpredictable weather. The trees go dormant, but not before a final fling of colour. For animals, the shortening days are a cue to prepare: hibernating and hoarding for the dark times ahead. For some, it’s still a time to breed: deer rut, seals give birth and the Atlantic salmon leaps waterfalls in order to lay its eggs. Beneath the fallen leaves, slime moulds, earthworms and fungi take advantage of autumn’s spoils.