Oak
It is probably fair to say that the Oak would be first on most people’s lips if asked to name a tree. The Oak evokes feelings of strength and might; it is hard not to feel inspired when confronted by a tree of such huge proportions.
The great Oak forests that once were an integral part of England’s landscape are now long gone, decimated by the exponential growth of the Royal Navy in the 17th and 18th centuries; over 2,000 fully grown trees would be needed to build the hull of an average ship of the line. Individual trees, however, still thrive and dominate the landscape in which they stand.
In recent years craftsman have come back to the Oak as the popularity of traditional wooden frames for houses has grown. When green, it is a wonderful material to work with, soft and forgiving. Its true character comes to the fore as it starts to season; twisting and cracking as it finds its own shape. Then finally it becomes almost like iron; so hard that it is nearly impossible to drive a nail into. While the Ebony may be harder, the Yew and Ash tougher, none of these trees possess both these qualities to such a degree as the English Oak.
Oak gives a variety of colours from near white through to a nutty brown. It has a coarse grain and is often enhanced by burrs and growth clusters.
