thanks to noseypotter for the reply on loam soil

we've one in the ground and it was planted for the millenium ( amongst lots of other trees) and last year had 3 nuts which promply ' disappeared bfore they were ripe' !!

I have a old hazel hedge all the nuts disappeare on this ,and it's the grey squirrel eating them

We have a big hazel in the garden. They do want to get large. The nut bearing is very variable. Last year not many.....squirrels dismay........this year lots, and squirrels delight. I think they bury more than they eat.....to my dismay.

thanks guys i,ll keep hoping!