Following one of the hottest summers on record in 2025, the UK has seen an abrupt transition into autumn, with trees displaying vibrant colours and an unusually abundant crop of berries. Hawthorn and Rowan trees in particular are heavily laden with red fruits, prompting warnings of a potentially harsh winter ahead.
An old piece of folklore holds that a profusion of berries signals a bitterly cold winter, but experts have cast doubt on the claim. Woodlands.co.uk, which last investigated the phenomenon in 2010, noted that berry abundance is more likely due to favourable growing conditions in spring and early autumn rather than a reliable predictor of winter weather.
In 2010, a year when holly trees brimmed with berries, the UK experienced its coldest winter in 30 years. However, the website pointed out that the logic is flawed, as pollination depends on spring weather and ripening on sun and warmth in early autumn.
Bannisters Yorkshire Family Farm also highlighted the old wives' tale on their blog, stating that their hawthorn hedges are absolutely laden with berries. While this may be great news for wildlife, the true cause is likely the hot summer and favourable conditions, not a forecast of severe cold.
