Oak

Above: 19C Belgian Slanted Sea trunk, Oak

Above: Oak Beams in Sainte-Girons, Monein, France,

Oak, there are approximately 600 species of Oak worldwide, they are native to the northern hemisphere and are both deciduous and evergreen.

The wood of Oak Quercus Robur and Quercus Petraea is very dense and therefore it is strong and hard, whilst also being resistant to insect and fungal attack.

Today it is principally used for the construction of timber framed buildings, beams, staircases, and fine furniture. Historically it has been used to make some of our finest buildings and for the construction of ships.

Oak trees can live for hundreds of years and they support the most diverse flora and fauna of any of our native trees. They have quite rapid growth for the first 80-120 years after 250-350 years, the tree is in decline. Oak trees do not produce acorns for the first 25-40 years.

As oak trees take so long to grow, think about this when you use a fine piece of oak timber.

Try to remember to gather acorns , plant them and make a difference. After 5-7 years you can plant them out in hedges with tree guards, ready for wildlife and future generations.