Tree Species: Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa).

Non-native. Introduced to Britain by the Romans from southern Europe. Widely naturalised and often treated as an honorary “native” due to its long history and extensive distribution.

Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.

Leaves: Long, lance-shaped (15–25 cm), glossy green with sharply toothed, serrated edges. Arranged alternately.

Bark: Smooth and grey when young, developing into twisted, spiralling ridges with age, often giving the trunk a corkscrew effect.

Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Long, upright catkins in early summer (male and female flowers appear on the same tree). In autumn, produces spiky green burrs containing 2–3 shiny brown nuts (chestnuts).

Overall shape: A large, broad-crowned tree with a stout trunk and wide-spreading branches.

Typically 17–22 m tall; can reach up to 40 m in ideal conditions. Broad crown spread of 15–20 m.

Thrives across much of southern England and Wales; less common in colder, wetter uplands of the north. Grows well on acidic and sandy soils but struggles on chalk. Often found in ancient woodland, parkland, and estate landscapes.

Long, serrated leaves (look like giant saw blades).

Spiky green burrs with edible chestnuts.

Twisting, spiralled bark on older trees.

Spring: Fresh green leaves unfurl.

Summer: Long, yellowish catkins give a distinctive look.

Autumn: Spiky burrs ripen and fall, releasing shiny brown nuts; leaves turn golden brown.

Winter: Bare branches reveal spiralling bark.

Nuts (sweet chestnuts) roasted and eaten since Roman times; used in cooking, baking, and festive traditions.

Wood is durable and splits easily, used for fencing, posts, furniture, and coppicing.

Tannin-rich bark once used in leather tanning.

Catkins attract bees and other pollinators.

Nuts are eaten by deer, squirrels, jays, and other wildlife.

Provides shelter and habitat in mature woodland settings.

Sweet chestnut trees can live for over 700 years; some famous examples, such as the Tortworth Chestnut in Gloucestershire, are thought to be over 1,000 years old.

The Romans referred to chestnuts as a “bread tree,” as the nuts could be ground into flour.

Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.

Soil: Prefers deep, well-drained, acidic or neutral soils. Poor on chalk or very alkaline soils.

Light: Needs full sun for best nut production.

Watering: Water regularly for the first 2–3 years; drought-tolerant once established.

Spacing: Allow 8–10 m between trees in orchards or plantations.

Aftercare: Mulch to retain soil moisture. Protect young trees from deer and rabbits. Coppice management prolongs life and maintains usable timber.

Urban: Not ideal for narrow streets due to size and dropping burrs, but can be striking in large parks or open public spaces.

Garden: Suitable only for very large gardens, estates, or orchards; not recommended for small gardens due to size and spiky fruit.

Bees: Bee friendly!