Bright and bold foliage, Walnut has been widely planted throughout the UK and has naturalised in occasional areas of lowland Britain (helped along by squirrels), secondary plantings are often found in woodlands, hedgerows; and on river banks, field-borders and roadsides. It prefers well-drained, fertile and alkaline soil and is found in large gardens and parks. Walnut was originally grown in the UK for its nuts. Later it was grown for its timber, which is fine with a decorative, wavy grain.