Sweet Chestnut in Devon

[Stereo]

Any grow it in the South West or have seen it coppiced down here? It seems like a pretty useful wood but I can't see any of it in our woods at all.

 

I'm looking for a fast growing wood I can use in the future for things like fence posts and other structural stuff. We're dominated by Hazel, Syc, Ash and Elm plus a fair bit of Alder.

[Jesse]

Any grow it in the South West or have seen it coppiced down here? It seems like a pretty useful wood but I can't see any of it in our woods at all.

 

I'm looking for a fast growing wood I can use in the future for things like fence posts and other structural stuff. We're dominated by Hazel, Syc, Ash and Elm plus a fair bit of Alder.

 

Thats because in the south west its mostly clay soil, Sweet Chestnut likes Acid loamy soils but there are pockets here and there, on the Blackdowns there are one or two covers, i'v been able to grow a few hundred but they have been very very slow to take on clay, there are some fantastico vets at Nynhead court near Wellington. well worth a visit.

[arbmark]

mine isnt growing great and its acid loam where i am. The saps i planted werent in great vigour though. Devon is crisscrossed by many different rock and soil types. Have you looked at the soilscapes website? Handy site that tells you what you got exactly where you are

[Cracker]

It does grow down here in Devon, on heavy clay, and does very well. There's a fair bit on my neighbors land, none on mine but I have planted some and it's doing well. I buy it in a few ton a time for gate making..etc.

[Stereo]

Thanks. I'll have a look at soilscapes. Might just put some in and see how they go.

[agg221]

I stuck in a few last year on our heavy clay - 1yr old whips which were already 4ft high. They made up to 4ft growth last year, so I think they're happy enough.

 

But, they're not seedling ones, which are always a bit random. I went for selected clones, which also means I should get decent sized nuts and when they ultimately get to coppicing size I can rotate them to make sure I always get some nuts/some timber.

 

The majority of breeding/selection seems to be in France but some varieties were trialled in Ireland, which is a reasonably similar climate to yours. The results are summarised here:

 

Research into walnut and chestnut varieties suitable for cultivation in Ireland

 

Be aware that many of the varieties listed are grafted, which makes them nut-production only as they can't be coppiced. The ones which are grown on their own roots are Marigoule, Marlhac, Maraval and Marsol.

 

I opted for Marigoule and Marlhac. They are very expensive in the UK, but not in France and there were no issues over importing them as bare-root whips in winter. I got mine from Pepinieres Coulie:

 

Pépinières Coulié Tree Nursery - Chestnut Trees - Walnut Trees - Ornamental Plants - Truffle Trees

 

They were very helpful and we managed to communicate in English (fortunately for me!). The trees were well packaged and absolutely top quality.

 

Alec

[carpenter1]

there is some for sale

[Stereo]

What, ready for planting? I got your request thing but can't seem to make it work on the ipad.