Growing the Future of British Hazelnuts: Frank P Matthews and the British Hazelnut Association

Hazelnuts have long been part of the British landscape, growing in hedgerows, woodlands and traditional coppice systems. In recent years, however, there has been growing interest in hazelnuts as a commercial crop and for agroforestry schemes which offer opportunities for diversification, sustainability and home-grown food production.

Supporting this exciting development is a strong partnership between Frank P Matthews Trees and the British Hazelnut Association.

Supporting a Growing Industry

Frank P Matthews Trees is proud to work alongside the British Hazelnut Association to support the development and growth of the UK hazelnut industry. As one of the country’s leading tree nurseries, we play an important role in facilitating the supply of quality hazelnut trees to both new and established growers.

With over 50 years of experience supplying hazel bushes throughout the UK, we have developed extensive expertise in propagation, production and variety selection. Our long-standing commitment to the sector, combined with our partnership with the British Hazelnut Association, helps ensure growers have access to the planting material needed for a successful future.

As interest in UK-grown nuts continues to increase, the availability of high-quality, well-selected trees will be essential in helping growers establish productive and profitable orchards.

Who is the British Hazelnut Association? The British Hazelnut Association (BHA) was established to develop and support the commercial cultivation of hazelnuts within the UK. Bringing together growers, researchers, nurseries and industry specialists, the association provides globally linked platform for sharing knowledge, encouraging collaboration and advancing best practice across the sector.

The organisation works to develop the commercial understanding of hazelnut production, support research into suitable varieties and growing techniques, and raise awareness of the opportunities that hazelnuts present within modern farming and agroforestry systems.

With increasing demand for locally produced food, climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming practices, hazelnuts are attracting attention as a crop with significant long-term potential. The British Hazelnut Association plays a key role in helping growers navigate this emerging market while building a strong and resilient industry for the future.

Why Hazelnuts? Hazelnuts offer a number of advantages for growers and landowners. They are well suited to the UK climate, require relatively low inputs once established and can provide an additional income stream alongside existing farming enterprises.

Hazelnuts can also form an important part of agroforestry systems, delivering benefits such as:

• – Increased biodiversity
• – Improved soil health
• – Carbon sequestration
• – Enhanced landscape value
• – Diversification of farm income
• – Habitat creation for wildlife
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As environmental and economic pressures continue to reshape agriculture, hazelnuts represent an exciting opportunity for growers seeking productive, sustainable and resilient crops.

A Shared Vision: The partnership between Frank P Matthews Trees and the British Hazelnut Association reflects a shared commitment to supporting growers and developing a thriving UK hazelnut industry. By combining the British Hazelnut Association’s industry knowledge and network with Frank P Matthews’ expertise in tree production, sourcing and propagation, the partnership helps provide growers with the confidence, advice and planting stock required to establish successful hazelnut orchards.

As the industry continues to grow, both organisations remain committed to promoting innovation, sharing knowledge and encouraging wider adoption of hazelnut cultivation throughout the UK. For growers considering hazelnuts as part of their future plans, there has never been a better time to explore the opportunities this versatile and sustainable crop can offer.

What Hazel varieties can Frank P Matthews supply? The varieties of Hazel trees that we grow are selected for their heavy, regular crops. The catkins are also prolific and provide some late winter cheer to the garden! Picking begins in September for fresh eating, or left until fallen to the ground for collection for winter storage.

For pollination, any two varieties, including Filberts, will cross pollinate. However, specific pollinators are suggested for each variety. If planting near a hedge containing the wild nut, a pollinator is less essential. Hazel trees are best grown on shallow, less than fertile soils. Yellow male flowers (catkins) and the female red stigmas are produced on separate parts of the same tree. Click here for more information.