Our Woodland

When most plants are fast asleep in late winter, Hazel trees (genus  Corylus ) are already awake and preparing for spring. Long before their leaves unfurl, Hazels decorate woodland edges and hedgerows with dangling, golden tassels known as catkins. These delicate structures may look ornamental, but they play a vital ecological role and offer surprising benefits for wildlife, early pollinators and traditional herbal practices. What Are Hazel Catkins? Catkins are slim, cylindri