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Hazel
Corylus avellana
This species is unusual in that is does not have a single trunk which most trees have. It is well distributed on the Kinson Common and its nuts are much sought after by grey squirrels and humans! One of the best specimens can be observed on a lane bankside at the rear of the Kinson Swimming Pool car park.
Occasionally it will reach almost 10m in height and this species does benefit from coppicing. The twigs are yellowish-brown and the green catkins form before the onset of winter. As early as January, the downward hanging catkins, which gently sway even in the slightest breeze, are a familiar sight locally.
The leaves appear almost oval or rounded in shape and the general outline of this species make it easy to pick out and to identify in the shrub layer especially near wooded areas on the Common.
Hazel has been used to make cask hoops, walking sticks, bean poles, also in the production of hurdles and baskets.
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