Thatchers, the renowned Somerset cider producer, has begun the earliest apple harvest in its 122-year history following a summer shaped by extreme heat. Martin Thatcher, managing director of the iconic Sandford-based cider farm, described the 2026 heatwaves as “devastating” for many traditional orchards, although he expressed confidence in the quality of this year’s crop despite the challenging conditions.
Martin explained that while the apples are smaller than usual due to the prolonged heat and early picking, they remain rich in sweetness and flavour. The early harvest is a result of various factors, primarily the weather, but also reflects decades of knowledge about the orchards' responses to different seasonal conditions.
“Harvest has always been one of the most special times of year at Myrtle Farm, when the fruit we’ve spent the year caring for is finally picked and pressed,” Martin said. “The recent hot weather has certainly influenced this year’s harvest timing, but it is only part of a much bigger picture. We’ve spent generations learning how our orchards respond to different seasons and conditions, future-proofing orchard success for the farming generations ahead.”
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This year’s harvest is expected to finish by mid-November, approximately six weeks earlier than thirty years ago. Historical records and family recollections indicate that harvesting traditionally extended well into late autumn and sometimes towards Christmas in earlier decades.
Thatchers is taking a forward-thinking approach by trialling around 100 apple varieties over 40 acres to assess their suitability amid changing climate conditions. This effort complements their exhibition orchard, which boasts 458 cider apple varieties-the UK’s largest such collection. The trials aim to identify varieties exhibiting resilience to climate pressures and diseases while maintaining desirable taste and yields. The farm practices regenerative farming methods, investing at least three years in soil health before planting new orchards, acknowledging that it can take up to ten years from planting to fruit-bearing.
Martin oversees farm operations alongside his father John Thatcher, a third-generation cider maker, and his daughter Eleanor Thatcher, part of the fifth generation involved in the business. Reflecting on the family’s long heritage, he noted, “When my great-grandfather planted apple trees here, he couldn’t have known the conditions future generations would face-recent heatwaves have been challenging for many cider farmers reliant on traditional orchards and older apple varieties.
“He nevertheless planted for the future, as every generation has done since. Some of the varieties we’re trialling now may become the backbone for cider makers of tomorrow. It is our responsibility to apply what we have learned over 122 years, combined with ongoing research, to give the next generation of orchards the best possible start.”
Supporting its core orchards, Thatchers collaborates with 27 apple growers across the South West and Herefordshire, offering long-term 20-year contracts. These partnerships are designed to provide British farming families with security and encouragement to establish new orchards.
Richard Johnson, Thatchers’ head cider maker, commented on the meticulous process of deciding the optimal time to pick. “Katy, traditionally our first apple of the harvest, has a notably brief picking window. This year, although the fruit is smaller due to the heat, the increased sunshine has enhanced its sweetness and flavour, meeting our quality standards.
“The shift to an earlier harvest has slightly reduced overall yield, yet quality remains uncompromised. Our approach is to respond to the fruit’s condition and harvest it at its very best,” he added.