Contrary to expectations, 2025 has delivered a remarkable harvest across the National Trust gardens in England, despite the challenges posed by record-breaking heat and drought warnings. While many predicted a poor yield amid climate uncertainties, gardeners are now celebrating an early and abundant bounty of apples, pumpkins, squash, and pears from Cornwall to Somerset.
The UK endured its hottest summer on record, evoking memories of the dry summer of 1976. However, the exceptional harvest reflects a fortunate combination of weather conditions: a wet 2024 followed by a dry, sunny spring and summer in 2025. Rebecca Bevan, National Trust Plant Health and Sustainability Consultant, highlights that last year’s heavy rainfall ensured healthy tree development and sufficient groundwater reserves, enabling plants to thrive even in this year’s arid conditions.
At Cotehele in Cornwall, the ‘Mother Orchard’—home to 125 apple varieties—produced thousands of apples that ripened three weeks early. Head gardener David Bouch described initial skepticism as the apples began small, but recent rains allowed rapid growth, prompting extra apple-picking weekends to prevent waste.
READ MORE: South West Harbour Sees Notable Decline in Fishing Activity
READ MORE: Bath Rugby Player Ratings: Key Performances Propel Victory Over Harlequins
Similarly, Buckland Abbey near Plymouth reports a record-breaking pumpkin and squash crop. Head gardener Sam Brown notes a 50% increase in these crops, with the harvest starting six weeks earlier than usual. In North Devon, Arlington Court’s mild spring and increased pollinator activity delivered their best apple harvest in recent memory, supplying the tea-room with fresh ingredients for seasonal products.
Dyrham Park near Bath and the gardens at Montacute House and Tintinhull in Somerset also experienced early and sweeter fruit seasons. At Killerton near Exeter, plums and pears flourished due to favorable blossom season conditions, with fruit being transformed into cider and juice sooner than usual. Trelissick in Cornwall credits warm conditions for strong pollinator presence, boosting apple production.
Even Dunster Castle witnessed early leaf fall and abundant fruit on trees that now support migratory birds. Beyond orchard gates, the harvest is filling tea-rooms with crumbles, compotes, juices, and dried fruit crisps, celebrating the season’s bounty.
The National Trust advises careful fruit storage to extend freshness, recommending cool, ventilated spaces for apples and sunny locations to cure pumpkins for longer shelf life.
Rebecca Bevan remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the increasing volatility in weather patterns but celebrating the resilience and adaptability that gardeners and gardens have shown. This year’s bounty is a powerful reminder that patience, understanding, and stewardship can yield hope and abundance even in uncertain times. As autumn unfolds, the National Trust’s orchards may gradually empty, but the spirit of growth and generosity remains full.