Hazel, Corylus avellanaThe cobnut or filbert C. maxima was introduced in 1759 and is grown in Britain for its large nuts. Sources of seed and plants Hazel is native to almost all parts of Britain. It occurs commonly as an understorey to Pedunculate oak because of the former prevalence of the coppice-with-standards system of silviculture. In hedgerows it is associated with ash, alder, Field maple, hawthorn, holly and hornbeam. The best cobnut plantations are in Kent and Surrey. Silviculture Shade-enduring it also casts a dense shade. Grows in mixed deciduous woodlands and hedgerows. Simple hazel coppice is still worked in southern England. Soil types The most productive coppice is found on fertile soils derived from chalk and limestone but hazel will tolerate acid brown earths of moderate depth and damp clay soils. Rate of growth and yield The multi-stemmed form is the result of coppicing. If left uncut it grows quite rapidly to 10 metres and then stops. Well-managed coppice on fertile soil will yield 1 to 2 dry tonnes per hectare per year on rotations of 15 to 20 years. For material for wattle hurdles a rotation of 10 years is appropriate. Protection and resistance Hazel is not seriously damaged by insect pests or diseases but the nuts are attacked by weevils of the genus Balaninus. It is hardy to late spring and early autumn frosts, resistant to drought and is a useful shrub for completing farm shelterbelts. Hazel is damaged by rabbits. In towns, people foraging for the edible nuts can cause damage. Establishing and tending All common sizes of nursery stock establish well. Hazel fruits regularly and coppices strongly. Timber properties A diffuse-porous wood with fine texture, pinkish white in colour with dark lines. The grain is straight. Hazel is only available in small sizes, up to 10 cms diameter. The timber is composed mainly of sapwood. Of medium density (average 640 kg/m3 seasoned) hazel rods dry rapidly. The freshly cut rods split and bend readily. The wood is not durable. Amenity value An attractive shrub with distinctive catkins in early spring. Conservation A valuable food for small mammals and birds. 73 species of insects are associated with hazel. Timber value Coppice rods are used to make wattle hurdles and for slack cooperage, baskets, pea sticks and bean rods. Hazel makes good firewood and charcoal. Economic appraisal Hazel coppice is still worked in Hampshire, West Sussex and West Surrey but the traditional markets have declined and craftsmen capable of working hazel are not common. The main justification for growing it is as a valuable underwood in broadleaved woodlands and shelterbelts, and for edible nuts. |
A Member of the Marigot Group
The Natural Network
[ HOME ] [ ELITE SITKA ] [ FORESTRY ] [ CELL GROWN ] [ CATALOGUE ] [ CONTACT US ] [ LOCATIONS ] [ LINKS ]