For decades, the rolling hills of Hampshire have been painted purple every summer by vast fields of lavender. These fragrant landscapes have drawn thousands of visitors, eager to capture the beauty of the countryside and enjoy the calming scent of the flowers. But in 2025, something unexpected has happened: the lavender is blooming much earlier than usual.
At Hartley Park Farm near Alton, farmer Nick Butler has watched the changes unfold. “Normally, our lavender flowers in late June or early July,” he explains.
“But this year, it started blooming up to two weeks earlier—in mid-June!” The reason, he says, is a combination of a record-breaking warm spring and unusually high levels of sunlight.
Lavender is a Mediterranean plant, thriving in hot, dry summers. However, it struggles when faced with too much rain or unpredictable weather.\
“Lavender absolutely hates sustained wet conditions,” Nick says. This past winter was one of the wettest on record, with the Met Office reporting it as the eighth wettest since records began.
“Wet winters are the leading cause of lavender loss,” Nick adds. “This year, we lost more plants than usual, and it’s something we’re seeing more often now.”
A Family Tradition Adapting to New Challenges
Nick’s family first planted lavender at Hartley Park Farm in 1999, hoping to bring something new and exciting to their farming business.
Today, the farm boasts seven acres of lavender and an acre of wildflowers, creating a stunning landscape that attracts around 15,000 visitors each year during the nine-week flowering period.
Many come for the perfect photo among the purple sea of flowers, while others enjoy the farm’s range of hand, body, and home fragrance products made from the lavender and rosemary grown on site.
But with the changing climate, the future of this tradition is uncertain. “We’re noticing the effects of climate change more and more,” Nick says. “It’s not just us—other lavender farms are seeing the same thing.”
The story is the same at other lavender farms across the country. Hitchin Lavender in Hertfordshire, for example, announced it would open to the public a week earlier than usual this year, thanks to the warm spring. “The plants are responding to the weather, and we have to adjust our plans accordingly,” a spokesperson for Hitchin Lavender said.
Expert Insight: Lavender’s Mediterranean Roots
Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the Royal Horticultural Society, explains why lavender is so sensitive to weather changes.
“Lavender is a Mediterranean shrub, used to bright, warm, and dry climates,” he says. “Mild winters, record warm springs, drier soils, and high spring light levels all favour this plant. But too much rain or unpredictable weather can be a real problem.”
Barter also notes that the changing climate is not just about temperature. “We’re seeing more extreme weather events—heavy rain, droughts, and unseasonal frosts. All of these can damage lavender crops and make it harder for farmers to predict when their plants will flower.”
The impact of climate change on lavender goes beyond just the plants themselves. Early blooms mean farmers have to adjust their harvest and visitor schedules.
Wetter winters increase the risk of disease and rot, while unpredictable weather can lead to lower yields and higher costs for farmers.
For visitors, the changes mean that the famous lavender fields might not be as reliable or as vibrant as in previous years.
“We’ve had some visitors disappointed when they arrive and the lavender isn’t in full bloom, or it’s already past its peak,” Nick admits. “It’s a challenge to manage expectations when the weather is so unpredictable.”
To cope with these challenges, lavender farmers are exploring new strategies. Some are improving drainage in their fields to prevent waterlogging.
Others are experimenting with more resilient varieties of lavender that can better withstand wet conditions. Many are also sharing knowledge and best practices with other growers, hoping to find solutions together.
“We’re always learning and adapting,” Nick says. “It’s not just about growing lavender—it’s about finding ways to protect it for the future.”
Lavender has long been a symbol of summer in the English countryside. Its vibrant purple flowers and soothing fragrance are a beloved part of the season for many. But as the climate changes, the future of this tradition is uncertain.
“We’ll keep growing lavender as long as we can,” Nick says. “It’s part of who we are. But we know we have to be ready for whatever the weather brings.”
Looking Ahead: Hope and Resilience
Despite the challenges, there is hope. Farmers like Nick Butler are determined to keep the tradition alive, even as they adapt to a changing world. With new techniques, resilient plant varieties, and a spirit of innovation, England’s lavender fields may continue to thrive—even in the face of climate change.
For now, the fields are still a sight to behold, drawing visitors from near and far. But as the climate continues to shift, the story of England’s lavender will be one of adaptation, resilience, and hope for the future.
Climate change is bringing early blooms and new risks to England’s beloved lavender fields. Farmers are working hard to adapt, but the future of this summer staple depends on how well they—and the weather—can adjust. With innovation and determination, the fragrant legacy of lavender may yet endure for generations to come.
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