Michael Jamieson Bristow 
FOREST TREES
ASH (Fraxinus excelsior)
Supposed to have mystical and medicinal properties the Ash is a widespread native tree whose wood is a natural shock absorber. It takes a very heavy blow to shatter a piece of Ash making it ideal for tool handles, such as axes and spades, and for oars, flooring, hockey sticks and rackets. Ash has been used for skis, coaches, carts and farm implements. It was once thought to have healing powers and its excellent firewood was burnt to drive out evil spirits. In Norse mythology a mighty Ash was the tree of life.
Natural Range: Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa.
Ash trees can reach up to 40m.
BEECH (Fagus sylvatica)
A tree characteristic of chalk downlands but growing well on light soils elsewhere. Sometimes called 'the Lady of the Woods', this beautiful tree which is seen at its best in the beech woods of southern England, arrived in Britain during the Bronze Age, Its dense shade usually keeps the forest floor clear of undergrowth. Its easily turned, fine grained and knot free wood is ideal for furniture making, especially for chairs. In the past the wood was used for rifle butts, brush backs and for making shoe heels and lasts.
Natural Range: Europe (not Scandinavia).
Beech trees can grow up to 40m.
BIRCH (Betula pendula)
Despite its graceful appearance it is one of Britain's hardiest trees. A natural pioneer species, which seeds itself freely and is able to colonise open land. It is found throughout Britain on light, dry soils and is a valuable conservation species. Its pale smooth timber is a hardwood whose uses include plywood production, brush backs, toys and reels. On a lesser scale the twigs are cut to make besom brooms and horse jumps. In the past its sacred properties made the Birch useful for expelling evil spirits from delinquents!
Natural Range: Northern Europe.
Birch trees usually grow to about 15m.
CHESTNUT (Castanea sativa)
The Romans introduced this tree into Britain to produce the nuts which were ground up and made into 'polenta' a staple food of the legionaries. Roasted sweet chestnuts are tasty and nutritious, but most are imported as the British climate is too cold for them to ripen properly. The yellowish-brown timber is strong and good for joinery and cabinet making, coffin boards, fencing and hop poles. It used to be used for pit props. In south-east England it is often coppiced for fencing.
Natural Range: Mediterranean and Asia Minor.
Chestnut trees reach 40m.
LIME (Tilia cordata)
Since ancient times the Lime tree, which has no relation to the citrus fruit, has been used for shade and lowland shelterbelts. It was also planted along village streets as a holy tree to protect against evil spirits. Its pale cream coloured wood is fine textured and resistant to splitting, making it ideal for turning and carving. As it does not warp, Lime wood is used for the keys and sounding boards of pianos.
Natural Range: North Spain to Caucasus and Siberia.
Lime trees grow to 35m.
OAK (Quercus robur)
Held sacred by the Druids, the Oak has always been important. From early days its strong and durable timber was found to be ideal for shipbuilding and for making the timber frames of buildings. The tannin in its bark was used for tanning leather. Even the sawdust was, and still is, used for smoking food. Oak is now used for furniture, barrels and is also planted for its conservation value.
Natural Range: Europe and Asia Minor.
Oak trees can reach up to 30m in Britain.
SYCAMORE (Acer pseudoplatanus)
Brought from France to Britain in the Middle Ages, the Sycamore seeds profusely. It was often planted to shelter and shade farm houses and can withstand salty winds. The pale cream timber is usually without a marked grain. As it does not stain or taint food and stays smooth after scubbing it was popular for kitchen surfaces and utensils. Its ability not to stain cloth meant it was ideal for textile rollers. Sycamore timber is still in demand with finely grained pieces highly valued for making violins and for veneers.
Natural Range: Central & Southern Europe, North to Paris.
Sycamore trees can reach 25m.