This year has brought early ripening for apples and grapes in parts of the UK, with some crops showing high yields while others struggled under the hottest summer on record.
At The Vyne in Hampshire, apple trees are carrying heavy loads of fruit. Gardener Emma Greenwood said, "It's absolutely extraordinary. Even people who have been here for 20-odd years say they've never seen anything like it." Volunteer Amanda Leeks added, "I've been here 10 years and this has been the best ever bumper harvest. We've been harvesting since mid-July, and we will be picking probably until November." She estimated that the orchard has "double" the usual quantity.
On the Isle of Wight, almonds are also performing well. Mike King of the Stockbridge Nuttery in Whitwell grows walnuts, cob nuts, and almonds. He reported, "This is the highest-yielding year," and added, "They were earlier last year, but the quality wasn't there; this year they seem to be quite happy to hang on a bit and get the flavour and size to develop." King, who began planting nut trees a decade ago, sells most of his produce at local Christmas markets. He noted that nut size has increased compared to previous years.
At The Grange, grape harvests are running ahead of schedule. Grower Sam Phillipot explained, "We are on average three weeks ahead." He said that vineyards further east usually harvest before The Grange, but this year his team has been picking earlier than some of them. He described the juice being pressed as "very clean without any dusty flavours."
While apples, nuts, and grapes have seen positive results, concerns remain for other crops. Dr John Redhead of the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology said, "There are some crops which are real staples of the current UK agricultural system which are likely to really struggle under climate change." He identified wheat, potatoes, onions, and strawberries as at risk in southern regions due to warmer conditions. In contrast, he noted that the North East and Scotland may benefit from a warming climate.
Growers across the UK are therefore facing mixed outcomes in 2025, with some crops showing strong yields and others under pressure from extreme weather.
Source: BBC