Plant trees for fruits & food

Why plant a wood for fruit and nuts?

• Many species of trees provide a valuable, and sustainable, food crop. Apples, pears, plums, damsons, hazelnuts and walnuts are just some of the produce you can enjoy. 
   
  Trees with nuts and berries are particularly good for wildlife so planting these can provide a valuable source of food for wildlife throughout the year. 
   
  There is no reason why there can’t be enough for you too!
   
   
• Fruits trees can also be used as shade and shelter for animals and livestock as well as attracting pollinating insects to farms and gardens at key times of the year.
   
   
• Why not think about planting fruit and nut trees within your wood, or establish a sustainable food-rich hedge around your vegetable garden, allotment, or in your local community?
   
  This is a great way to grow a diverse range of food to enjoy and share, all free from air-miles!
   
  There are lots of hedgerow fruits and berries from which you can make drinks, syrups, jams and jellies.
   
   
• Crab apples, elderberries, sloes and rosehips all have their place in our food heritage and in the recipe books of the past, as well as in our natural heritage.

 

Next step: see how the Woodland Trust can help you plant trees
 

 

Should I consider planting an orchard?

It is thought that there are over 3,000 species of cooking, eating and cider apples. And that's just apples! Your local fruit and nut species need conserving as much as our wildlife, and you can help by including them as part of your tree planting plans. Researching, identifying and planting local varieties is especially important if you are interested in creating a traditional orchard.

More information on planting an orchard.

 

Next step: see how the Woodland Trust can help you plant trees