Sweet Chestnut Grove

The saplings growing at the top of this hill are all varieties of sweet chestnut from the UK or France. They may grow very large and live to 700 years old. In warmer European climates there are sweet chestnuts alive today that are between 2,000 and 4,000 years of age. Sweet chestnuts are related to oak and beech trees, but not to the horse chestnut tree that makes conkers. The leaves of the sweet chestnut can be identified through their bold spear shapes with serrated edges, the trunk has deeply grooved, spiralling bark and the very spiny outer husk of the nut is hard to mistake.

The Romans brought sweet chestnuts to Britain making them a semi-native tree. The tree is relatively common and can be found in many types of woodland. In some areas of southern England, it was often coppiced to make long wooden poles.

Sweet chestnuts are a rich source of vitamins C (the only nut that is) and B, and contain minerals including magnesium, potassium and iron. Their high level of starch is similar to that of wheat and twice as high as the potato.

Sweet Chestnut, Spiralling Bark and Sweet Chestnut Husk & Nut