The World Conker Championships in Southwick face an uncertain future after this summer's record heat produced smaller and fewer horse-chestnuts, many of which are unusable for play. Organisers say they need about 3,000 large conkers and have tried preservation techniques and accepting donations to cope. The event, held since 1965 and having raised over £420,000 for charity, went ahead in 2024 despite shortages and a cleared cheating allegation.
World Conker Championships Threatened As Heatwaves Produce Smaller, Fewer Conkers
StJohn Burkett says organisers of the World Conker Championships are worried about the event's future - Getty Images/Mary Turner
The World Conker Championships face an uncertain future after record summer heatwaves produced smaller and fewer horse-chestnuts — the "conkers" used in the traditional contest held each year in Southwick, Northamptonshire.
Heat, Shortages and a Small-Nut Problem
Organisers warn that higher temperatures can stunt chestnut growth so conkers are underdeveloped, brittle, or white inside their husks. Smaller nuts often split when the holes are drilled for the laces used in play, rendering them unusable. The tournament requires roughly 3,000 large chestnuts to run and typically attracts thousands of spectators.
Higher temperatures shrinks conkers making unusable for the championships - Sally Crossthwaite
"We worry about the future, of course we do. Climate change is obviously having its effect," said St John Burkett, the event spokesman. "I suppose so, yes [the tournament could end]. And we've got this El Niño coming next year... we'll have to see what effect that has."
Record Heat Is Making It Worse
The Met Office reported this summer's average daily maximum temperature was 21.3°C, surpassing the 1976 record of 21.0°C — a sign organisers say could point to a new, hotter normal. Higher temperatures not only produce smaller conkers but can also reduce the overall yield from horse-chestnut trees.
"Some of the trees seem to be completely bald with no leaves and no fruit," Burkett added. "Other trees seem to have loads of conkers on them, but we just don't know what size. Others haven't matured well, and they're white inside their husks."
David Jakins won the 2024 men's title having been cleared of cheating - Reuters/Temilade Adelaja
Adaptations and Unusual Help
Organisers have explored several coping strategies: importing nuts from abroad, preserving collected conkers by freezing them, and accepting donations. Last year a box of more than 300 high-quality chestnuts arrived from Windsor Castle — a timely boost that helped stock the competition.
Charles Whalley, an organiser, noted the enthusiasm the donation generated: "Prince Louis is a massive conker fan... they sent a big box of them, hundreds." Nonetheless, organisers remain cautious about relying on imports, since extreme weather could affect conker crops globally.
2024 Event and Controversy
The championships — held since 1965 and having raised over £420,000 for charity — went ahead in 2024. Mags Blake and Matt Cross were crowned conker queen and king. The men's winner, David Jakins, was briefly accused of using a metal conker but was cleared after an investigation concluded he "achieved his title fairly."
Organisers say they will do everything possible to preserve the tradition, but continued hot summers and the coming El Niño leave the long-running event's future uncertain.
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