Traditional Kentish produce such as apples, cherries and hops may soon be growing alongside crops more associated with the Mediterranean such as apricots, grapevines and olive groves. We may even see fields of sunflowers; views more associated with the warmer climes of Europe.

This year, supermarket chain Sainsbury’s has produced its first commercial harvest of apricots grown on its own land just outside Canterbury. Although apricots have been grown in the UK before, until now they have been largely limited to small quantities grown in cottage gardens.

Apricots Prunus armeniaca, originally from China and believed to have been brought to the Mediterranean by Alexander the Great in the 4^th century BC, are a member of the rose family and closely related to plums, peaches, cherries and almonds. The word apricot is said to be derived from the Latin, praecoquum, or "early ripe."

A combination of new varieties and growing techniques along with the recent warmer climate has helped to overcome the usual obstacles of apricot production - cold weather and frost.

Experts are saying that summer temperatures in the South East are expected to rise by up to 3°C by 2050 with 35% less rainfall.

It is expected that many plant and tree species found in southern France will become more common further north. For example: walnut, poplar, sweet chestnut, plums and kiwi fruits.

Native woodlands of oak, beech, ash and Scots pine are expected to survive but it is likely that beech woodlands, common in Kent and Sussex are likely to be affected.

Food for thought…