Beech & Hornbeam

This project is focused on improving seed supply for two minor species of increasing importance in British forestry: beech and hornbeam.

This project is funded through the Forestry Commission Seed Sourcing Grant (SSG).

Future Trees Trust is selecting beech and hornbeam plus trees – superior individuals for timber – in England and Wales and collecting graftwood to establish the first seed orchard of beech in the UK. 

Prior to the commencement of the plus-tree selection – in the winter of 2022/2023 – a grafting pilot was undertaken to address the lack of grafting knowledge for these species (as well as field maple). Success of this pilot was mixed, but sufficient to continue to the plus tree selection. Another aim of this project is to create a source-identified seed stand for blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) using seed from the Millennium Seed Bank, to aid seed supply of this species.

There is a call to forest managers for beech and hornbeam plus tree candidates​​

We are on the hunt for 100 plus trees of both beech and hornbeam. These are trees which show fine form with the following features:

  • Straight, circular stem (minimal fluting)​Strong apical dominance​

  • Light horizontal branching​

  • No forking bar high in the crown of old trees​

  • Dominant or Co-dominant tree in the stand

We are looking for fine specimens of both beech and hornbeam but realise beech has been far more commonly planted, particularly as a timber tree. We are very interested to hear about any hornbeam with plus tree-characteristics, but the criteria can be applied more loosely due to its relative rarity. Maiden hornbeam trees would be preferred.​

Beech Plus Tree

We are also interested in visiting any good stands. As a guide, stands we are after are:​

  • In England and Wales, any seed zone​​

  • Age of 50+ (with some potential exceptions)​

One of the best ways to expand into areas we may not have surveyed is to ask those with the most intimate knowledge of their woods. Few know the woods you manage better than you, the foresters, so we are very keen to hear from you if you manage anything that matches the description above, or you think may be of use to us.​

If you have trees or stands that we might be interested in, we would be very grateful to hear from you. Please email Oliver Stock, Forestry Technician below with:​​

  • Seed zone​

  • Estate/woodland name​

  • Phone number and/or email address of the manager or owner​

  • Grid ref (to at least 8 figures) or preferably GPS co-ordinates​

  • A photo if possible​

    Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or would like more information.

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