A Gift of Abundance
By late summer, the Hazel offers its most famous treasure: the hazelnut. These small, energy-rich nuts are a vital source of food for birds and mammals, including red squirrels, jays, and dormice. Jays, in particular, help Hazel spread by burying nuts that sometimes remain forgotten, allowing new trees to take root.
Humans have long shared in this bounty. Hazelnuts were once an important part of the Irish diet and remain a favourite for their flavour and nutrition. Each autumn harvest is a reminder of nature’s generosity and the interconnection between people and the land.
A Tree of Myth and Meaning
Hazel holds a sacred place in Irish mythology and storytelling. It is known as the tree of wisdom and inspiration. According to legend, the Salmon of Knowledge gained its wisdom by eating hazelnuts that had fallen into the River Boyne from the nine sacred Hazel trees along its banks. This myth gave Hazel a symbolic role as a source of insight and enlightenment.
Throughout Irish history, Hazel has been associated with creativity, learning, and connection to nature’s deeper truths. Planting one today continues that legacy, linking modern restoration with ancient tradition.
A Foundation for Wildlife
Ecologically, Hazel is a cornerstone of native woodland. Its multi-stemmed shape creates excellent shelter for nesting birds and small mammals, while its leaves feed a variety of moth and butterfly caterpillars. The tree supports a rich web of life, from the fungi at its roots to the insects in its canopy.
Hazel also plays a key role in sustainable woodland management. When coppiced, cut back to allow new shoots to grow, it can live for centuries, continually providing wood for fencing, crafts, and traditional tools. Its resilience makes it both practical and vital for biodiversity.
Planting the Wisdom of the Land
When you plant a Hazel through Grown Forest, you are doing more than adding a tree to the landscape. You are reviving an ancient story, nurturing biodiversity, and giving future generations a living symbol of Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage.
Hazel teaches that knowledge, like growth, begins small and spreads outward. Every catkin, nut, and branch represents both renewal and resilience. Together, we can ensure that the wisdom of the Hazel continues to flourish across Ireland’s forests and hedgerows.
