Hazelnut - A Wise Choice For Hedge Planting

When planting a new hedge under an agri-environment scheme farmers should consider the value of adding hazel-nut trees.

Hazel nut is an appropriate species to add to the plant mix, depending on the soil suitability, with hazel preferring alkaline soils and is associated with limestone areas, but will grow on any reasonably dry mineral soil.

Hazel nut first appeared on the island of Ireland after the Ice Age, it colonized large areas of countryside until the arrival of more dominant trees like oak and ash which shaded it out. This caused a gradual shift of the species to more open areas, rocky outcrops, riverbanks and coastal regions. It can still be found in these places and within our existing lacework of hedges scattered throughout the country.

Historically hazel was regarded as a magical tree throughout Europe. It was an important food source when Mesolithic man first arrived here, evidenced by the nut fragments found in excavation sites at Mount Sandel, near Coleraine. It also had an important use in construction with hazel hurdles forming the basis of house walls at the historical site of Deer Park farm in County Antrim.

In Irish folklore it was regarded as the tree of wisdom, ranked as a “noble of the wood” under the 12^th century laws of the neighbourhood. Nine hazels of wisdom grew at the source of the river Boyne. As the nuts fell into the well, salmon began feeding on them giving the fish their characteristic spots, one for every nut they eat. Whoever ate one of these salmon was said to be inspired immediately with the spirit of poetry.

As the tree of wisdom, it was considered a source of power and the branches are still used for water divining. It was also thought that hazel had medicinal value, with a hazel nut carried in the pocket said to ward-off rheumatism.

Hazel may now have lost its mystic and we no longer rely on its food or construction properties, however it is an important source of winter feed for animals such as the red squirrel and the wood mouse. When planting a new hedge under an agri-environment scheme hazel is an appropriate species to add to the plant mix. Small areas can also be planted in field corners where they can be coppiced regularly. Consider planting some hazel this winter, it deserves a place in our landscape.

If you would like further information on establishment or management of hazel contact your local Countryside Management Branch, DARD.