Harvest 2026

Why We're Harvesting Three Weeks Earlier Than Usual

If you've visited High Lodge Farm recently, you'll probably have noticed the combines working their way across the fields. Harvest is officially underway, and this year it's arrived around three weeks earlier than usual.

The reason has been the exceptionally hot, dry weather we've experienced across much of the UK. Multiple heatwaves and a prolonged lack of rainfall have caused crops to ripen much sooner than normal, meaning we're expecting to finish harvesting by early to mid August rather than towards the end of the month.

A tale of two summers

While the sunshine has been fantastic for camping, family days out and enjoying the countryside, it's been a much more challenging season for farming.

Crops rely on the right balance of sunshine and rainfall to grow well. This year, the prolonged dry conditions have put many crops under significant stress, meaning they're reaching maturity earlier but with lower yields than we'd normally expect. In simple terms, we'll be harvesting less grain from each field than in a more typical year.

It's a reminder that farming is entirely dependent on the weather. Every season brings different challenges, and no two harvests are ever the same.

The increased risk of field fires

One of the biggest concerns this summer has been the extreme fire risk. With fields, grass and hedgerows becoming tinder dry after weeks without meaningful rain, there have been several devastating field fires reported locally, destroying standing crops in a matter of minutes.

For that reason, we've had to be extra cautious around the farm. During periods of very high fire risk, we've temporarily restricted campfires on our campsite to help protect our crops, neighbouring farms and the surrounding countryside. We know this can be disappointing, but we're grateful for everyone's understanding.

What happens next?

Once the grain has been harvested, the combines are replaced by balers, which collect and bale the straw left behind in the fields. Those familiar golden bales don't go to waste, they'll be used around the farm over the coming months, and many will return next year as part of our popular straw bale playground for visitors to enjoy.

Harvest is one of the busiest and most rewarding times of year on the farm. It's the culmination of many months of work, and while this season has certainly brought its challenges, we're looking forward to getting the crop safely gathered in and preparing for the next farming year.