Jersey’s dry summer brings early grape harvest

Jersey’s hot and unusually dry summer is forcing La Mare Vineyards to bring forward its grape harvest, with picking expected to begin in August for the first time in almost three decades.

Managing director Tim Crowley said the island had gone around two-and-a-half months without “meaningful rain”. While dry conditions can benefit grapes, he said the lack of rainfall was now beginning to affect the crop.

Grapes are normally harvested between late September and October, when weather conditions can be more unpredictable.

The dry spell is also affecting trees and sports pitches across the island.

Alex Morel, chief executive of Jersey Trees For Life, said some trees had been forced into “survival mode”, shedding leaves to reduce water loss. She warned that fewer leaves also meant less shade and less natural cooling for the island.

Football grounds have also become noticeably browner ahead of the new season. Jersey Football Association chief executive Tim Pryor said clubs were finding it harder to maintain pitches, although artificial surfaces were helping.

Meanwhile, Jersey Water has said it is preparing to bring its backup desalination plant into use as the dry weather continues.