Symbolic of hope, longevity, uniqueness and adaptability.

Horse chestnut trees originated in the Balkan region and imported to Europe in the 16th and 17th Century

It is considered lucky to carry three conkers in your pocket

Conkers are known as ‘buck-eyes’ in the US and it is claimed to enhance virility in men

Putting conkers in your wardrobe can repel moths.  Conkers contain a chemical called ‘triterpenoid saponin’ and as the conkers dry out, the chemical is released.

The greyish bark can produce a yellow dye

Horse chestnut trees were often planted outside blacksmiths shops for the shade

Aescin is extracted from conkers and is used in folk medicine for reducing inflammation and swelling

If a branch is cut close to the joint or node, the scar resembles a horses shoe and nails and links into what is known as the Doctrine of Signatures, believed by many generations that God left his signature on plants as a clue as to which ones would heal different illnesses and complaints.

Placing conkers around the house deters spiders too.

The world conker championships has been held since 1965.

Robert McFarlane’s poem addresses conkers as ‘The Bringer of Joy, the Creator of Life’.