Farmers begin first lavender harvest as UK sunshine soars to 26°C

Farmers in Kent have begun their first lavender harvest as temperatures in the south of England soar to 26°C.

The plants, which are harvested for their oil at Castle Farm, are currently in their purple-flowering peak – and have no doubt been aided by the warm and dry weather across the UK.

Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge told Metro.co.uk that those planning a visit to the farm in Sevenoaks, Kent, can expect the sunshine to continue.

He said: ‘There is a high pressure over the southern half of the UK, giving us more dry, fine and warm weather this week.

‘There will be plenty of sunshine in the south, while Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England will be cloudier, with some outbreaks of rain, particularly on Thursday.

‘Today, temperatures will reach around 23°C, 24°C in the south, but they could get up to 25°C on Wednesday and even 26°C on Thursday.

‘The warmest places will be just south of London, in the south-east of England.’

However, Mr Partridge emphasised that high temperatures in the day will not lead to stuffy sleepless nights, with the UK significantly cooling in the evening.

Tonight, temperatures could drop as low as 2°C or 3°C in northern parts of the country, and 5°C or 6°C on Wednesday night.

Mr Partridge said: ‘We have clear skies, but the country has lost a lot of the humidity of last week. Even on Thursday it could be around 7°C overnight.

‘The air is originating from the North West, meaning it is a lot drier and the temperature drops quicker.’

Castle Farm, in Shoreham, is the largest lavender farm in the UK and has been in the same family for more than a century.

Today, the site is managed by William and Caroline Alexander, with involvement from each of their children, Lorna, Thomas and Crispin.

Harvesting for lavender oil starts in mid July and continues until early August – although the practice is weather dependent.

Those wishing to walk among the lavender can book guided tours of the fields online.

However, hayfever sufferers should be wary, as forecasters have also predicted high pollen levels for the week ahead.