As the festive season arrives, the sweet aroma of roasting chestnuts is a familiar winter treat. Our tree of the month, the Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), is a naturalised species thought to have been introduced to Britain by the Romans. Mature trees boast majestic trunks with spiralling fissures, glossy serrated leaves, and spring flowers that support pollinators. With a warming climate, sweet chestnuts may become an increasingly resilient part of Britain’s woodland future.
Not to be confused with larger horse chestnuts (conkers), chestnuts drop to the ground in a protective spikey husk in autumn. This classic festive nut may have been why the tree was originally introduced to the UK, possibly by the Romans, who were fond of polenta made from ground chestnut flour. Unfortunately for them, they don’t ripen enough in the colder UK climate, so today most chestnuts are imported.
Mature trees have majestic trunks that feature thick and prominent diagonal fissures, which often spiral around the tree. Its flowers are a great source of nectar for pollinators in spring, and it has long, glossy green leaves with pointed tips and serrated edges. They turn golden during the autumn, before falling.
Although not strictly a native species, it’s now considered naturalised due to its widespread range and adaptation to the climate here. It’s a commonly coppiced tree and is often used to make post and rail fencing. They were often also planted for use in furniture making or house building.
In the future, because of its origins in southern Europe, the species may benefit from warming temperatures and is likely to expand its range in Britain. This is one reason it’s being planted within the SWCPP, as it may be more resilient to a future climate – and we may even get some ripened nuts.
Learn more about our tree of the month and Silk Wood Community Planting Project here
