There’s always something quietly rewarding about harvest time in Kent, especially when cobnut trees are heavy with green-gold clusters and the husks begin to dry and fray. But was 2025 a good year for cobnuts?
We spoke to a handful of Kentish Cobnuts Association members – both seasoned growers and newcomers – to get their take on the season, how the weather fared, and what’s in store for the cobnut market over the coming months.
A Mixed Bag of Weather… but a Promising Yield
While the wet spring put early orchard management on hold for some, the warmer, drier spells in July helped balance things out. Many growers reported good nut set and relatively low levels of pest damage.
Graham, who manages a traditional orchard near Sevenoaks, noted:
“It’s been one of the more even years in recent memory. No major droughts, and no major storms—just enough heat and water at the right times. It’s a relief after the oddities of the past few seasons.”
Meanwhile, several younger growers commented on the increasing interest in “heritage food” and sustainable British-grown ingredients, with demand from local food producers and farm shops staying steady, even growing.
Heritage Crop, Modern Appetite
Cobnuts may be an old crop, but they’ve found their place in the modern culinary world. From handmade nut butters to roasted snack packs and patisserie fillings, British-grown cobnuts are beginning to turn heads again.
“We’ve had several inquiries this year from chefs who specifically want Kentish cobnuts – not just hazelnuts,” said Maria, a second-year grower based near Canterbury. “They love the flavour, but they also love the story.”
Looking Ahead
As this year’s harvest winds down, growers are already thinking ahead – about pruning, maintaining soil health, and whether it’s worth expanding their orchard rows next spring. With the right support and continued consumer interest, there’s every reason to feel hopeful.
And with the Kentish Cobnuts Association continuing to provide a strong community, valuable resources, and increased visibility for growers, 2026 could be even better.
Interested in becoming a grower? Join the KCA today and become part of Britain’s nut-growing revival.