UK Lavender Harvest Comes Early Amid Record-Breaking Dry Season

EYNSFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 16: In an aerial view, a harvester collects lavender plants at Castle Farm on July 16, 2025 in Eynsford, England. Castle Farm, based in Shoreham, Kent is the largest lavender producer in the UK, growing and harvesting over 100 acres annually. This year the UK’s record-breaking dry and sunny spring, paired with a mild winter, has encouraged the blooms of the native Mediterranean plant to peak 10 days earlier than usual at Castle Farm. Warm, dry weather helps the plant build up more of the essential oils, which are distilled on site hours after the harvest. (Footage by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)