Seeds & Nuts ID Guide

This richly illustrated guide covers 20 seeds and nuts that you are most likely to encounter on autumn walks, including beechmast, walnuts, pine nuts, sweet chestnuts – and even the poisonous thorn apple (Datura). For each plant, you’ll find:

• Nut/seed description with clear photographs
• Leaves and flowers to aid recognition
• Plant or tree size and habitat
• Season of appearance
• Edibility and warnings
• Additional notes with cultural or historical context

Why It’s Useful

• Avoid confusing toxic horse chestnuts with edible sweet chestnuts
• Recognize poisonous plants like thorn apple now spreading across Europe
• Confidently identify which nuts are edible – and which should stay on the ground for wildlife
• Add an extra layer of discovery to every woodland or park walk