What Are The Seven Layers of a Food Forest? This Article Answers The Forest Layers Question For UK Gardeners & Growers. Discover More Below.
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Imagine a forest garden that not only looks beautiful but also provides a continuous harvest of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, all while requiring minimal effort. This isn’t just a gardener’s dream; it’s the reality of a “food forest” – a sustainable, edible ecosystem designed to mimic the natural layers of a woodland. Embracing the food forest concept can transform our plots into productive, resilient havens with much less effort than needed when gardening the traditional way.
Read on, watch the video below .. or do both to really understand the seven layers.
A food forest is a low-maintenance, high-yield system that works with nature, not against it. By carefully selecting plants that thrive in our climate and arranging them in seven distinct layers, we can create a diverse and bountiful outdoor larder. Below I explore these layers and how you can implement them in your own British garden.
But first you need to understand that the seven layers are an human construct. They are an idea created by humans to help them understand how nature works naturally. I have chosen to explain the seven food forest layers. But other people would group severe of theses together and say there are fewer layers. For example I suggest tall canopy trees and lower sub-canopy trees are two layers. Some might say they are all tress so only one layer. That really doesn’t matter. What matters is that we recognise the different types of plants that occur naturally and which awe can replicate as “layers” in our own food forests.
So here are my seven food forest layers …or perhaps as I suggest in the video there might even be an eighth layer .. or not! Intrigued? Read on.
The Seven Layers of a Thriving UK Food Forest
Canopy Layer: These are your majestic, tallest trees, forming the uppermost layer. Think classic British orchard favourites like apple, pear, and plum, or even a taller, more stately birch if space allows. Other good canopy trees include the walnut, sweet chestnut and even hazel when left to reach full height. These trees provide shade, shelter, and long-term harvests.
Low Tree Layer (sub-canopy): Just beneath the canopy, this layer consists of smaller trees that offer substantial yields. Often the yields ar much higher than those offered by the canopy tress. And this is a situation where consideration needs to be given to whether a tree is a canopy or sub canopy tree. A prime example is the apple tree. Bramley apple trees can grow to 8 metres (26 feet) whilst a well pruned and shaped apple grown on a M29 or M9 rootstock might never exceed 5 feet. Hence the controversy that can enter here. Ignore it, you decide how many layers there are and focus on growing the trees and enjoying the harvest.
Anyway, it isn’t just about apples. Consider the delightful options such as medlar, quince, elderberry (perfect for cordials and wines!), or native hazel, which provides delicious nuts.
Shrub Layer: This vibrant layer is packed with fruiting bushes. Our UK climate is ideal for a fantastic array of berries. Plant raspberries, blueberries, loganberries, currants (black, red, and white), blackberries, and gooseberries for a summer-long feast.
Vine Layer: These are the climbers, reaching upwards to capture sunlight. While grapes can certainly thrive in sheltered UK spots (the Romans brought grapes with them) , also explore fascinating options like hops (for brewing or ornamental use) and Hablitzia tamnoides, a vigorous edible perennial vine. Loganberries can be included as a vine layer plant as well as can kiwis and passion fruit.
Herbaceous Layer: This diverse layer includes non-woody plants that die back in winter. It’s where you’ll find many of your staple garden crops and culinary delights such as perennial kale, perennial Korean celery, rhubarb, various mints, chard, and even ornamental edibles like day-lilies, primroses and pansies.
Ground Cover Layer: Spreading low across the ground, these plants protect the soil, suppress weeds, and can offer additional harvests. Clover is excellent for nitrogen fixing, while traditional, wild and Italian white strawberries provide sweet treats. Creeping thyme or chives can also serve this purpose beautifully.
Root Layer: Don’t forget what lies beneath! This layer focuses on edible roots and tubers. Jerusalem artichokes are a classic, easy-to-grow option for UK gardens, providing a hearty harvest that can be left in the ground until needed.
Skirrets, oca, potatoes, radish, dandelions. beetroot, yacon, horseradish, Apios americana and turnips are some of the dozens of other options. And that is without thinking about the alliums that are either roots or herbaceous depending on your preference. E.g Welsh onions, Egyptian walking onions, salad onions, Babbington leeks etc,
Beyond the Layers: The Fungal Network
Plant Nutrients Are Essential Fro Plant Growth
An often-overlooked but crucial component of any healthy food forest is the fungal network. Fungi exist in every layer, playing a vital role in nutrient cycling, breaking down organic matter, and forming symbiotic relationships with plants. Encouraging healthy soil life is paramount to the success of your food forest.
Some people argue that the fungi are a separate food forest layer but I prefer to see them as important constituents of every layer.
Start Small, Think Big
Creating a food forest doesn’t mean transforming your entire garden overnight. You can start small, perhaps with a corner of your garden, and gradually build it up. Research plants that are well-suited to your specific soil type and local microclimate. By embracing the principles of a food forest, you’ll be cultivating a resilient, productive, and beautiful space that will provide for you and future generations, all while supporting local biodiversity.
For more inspiration, check out the video “A Food Forest’s Seven Layers” which explains these layers visually.
