Nature’s autumn treasure – the humble conker

As autumn settles over Norfolk’s landscapes, one of the great seasonal pleasures for children and adults alike comes to life: collecting conkers!

Beneath the shade of horse chestnut trees, shiny brown seeds – commonly known as conkers – nestle within their spiky green shells. For generations, these glossy nuts have been the source of autumnal games, delightful myths, and endless fascination.

What are conkers?

The horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum), not to be confused with the edible sweet chestnut, is native to the Balkans and was introduced to the UK in the late 16th century. These majestic trees produce clusters of spiky green cases, each housing a seed. When these seeds ripen and fall in early autumn, they become the conkers we know and love.

Conkers are technically seeds, not nuts, and they contain a substance called aesculin, which makes them inedible for humans and animals. This natural compound provides the seeds with some protection from hungry wildlife – but it has also spurred curious myths about conkers’ potential uses, from keeping away spiders to easing joint pain.

The traditional game of conkers

For anyone who has grown up in the UK, playing conkers is a rite of passage. The game, which dates to at least the 19th century, involves stringing a conker on a piece of string or shoelace and taking turns striking an opponent’s conker until one breaks.

The thrill of the game lies in selecting a ‘champion’ conker – some players even swear by hardening techniques like soaking them in vinegar or baking them!

In classic schoolyard tradition, a ‘winner’ conker becomes a source of pride, its number of victories adding to its legend.

While the game of conkers has fallen out of favour in recent years, many adults still cherish these memories, and children can still be found cracking conkers in playgrounds this time of year.

Do conkers keep spiders away?

One of the most enduring myths around conkers is their reputation as a natural spider repellent. While some people swear by placing conkers in their home to ward off spiders, scientific evidence remains elusive.

The myth suggests that aesculin, the same compound that makes conkers toxic to humans, is unpleasant for spiders. However, studies have shown no consistent results, and scientists are sceptical about the effectiveness of this method.

Nonetheless, conkers may have symbolic value – each one sitting on a windowsill represents the beauty of autumn and serves as a small reminder of the natural world around us.

Fascinating facts about conkers

Here are a few fun facts to deepen your appreciation of conkers this season:

• Origins – The name ‘conker’ may come from a dialect term for ‘conquer’, as players battle their conkers in games. Another theory links it to ‘conch’ as early games used shells before conkers were popular.
• Horse Chestnut uses – Although toxic to humans, horse chestnut seeds have been used in traditional medicine. Extracts of horse chestnut are sometimes used in ointments to relieve joint pain and inflammation.
• Wildlife value – While conkers are unsuitable for most animals, deer have been known to eat them occasionally. Horse chestnut trees also support various pollinators with their large, white or pink flowers in spring.

Nature’s treasure trove

Collecting conkers isn’t just for games, it’s a wonderful way to engage with the season, connect with local flora, and introduce young people to nature’s cycles. Whether you’re picking them up for a nostalgic game or simply to admire their glossy sheen, conkers capture the magic of Norfolk’s autumn.

Embracing the outdoors

Exploring the Norfolk countryside and discovering treasures like conkers is an experience that keeps us connected to nature’s rhythms. If you’re inspired to collect conkers or introduce someone to the game, remember the simple joys that these seeds bring.

As you venture out this autumn, may each conker remind you of the richness of our natural world and the enduring beauty of our local landscapes.