A farmer in Merseyside has warned that the recent UK heatwave could lead to higher Christmas tree prices this year. Richard Rainford of Rainford's Christmas Tree Land estimates that the extreme heat has destroyed about a quarter of his crop.
Rainford believes up to 10,000 of his fir trees, which typically sell for around £50 each, have been lost so far. The damage is attributed to the prolonged hot and dry conditions that have stressed the young trees.
The shortage could result in increased costs for consumers, as farmers struggle to meet demand with reduced inventory. Rainford's warning highlights the broader impact of climate change on seasonal agriculture in the UK.
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