Our sculptures and carvings are produced from sustainably-managed woodland, under Forestry Commission schemes.  We have been involved with timber production for over 20 years.  For example, in 1988 under a Forestry Commission Broadleaved Woodland Scheme, we planted oak, ash and gean (wild cherry) at a rate of 1100 trees per hectare, at 3m x 3m spacings.

Timber comes in two category types.  Softwood (conifers) or hardwood (broadleaved).  Softwoods have needles, not leaves and grow quickly.  As a result the timber is less dense, softer and less durable (christmas trees are an example).  Hardwoods have leaves not needles and grow more slowly.  The timber is more dense, harder and so more durable.  Some varieties of hardwood trees will coppice (regrow after cutting from the same root-stump).  Examples include ash, sweet chestnut, alder, silver birch and sycamore.  Because the root system is already established, coppice regrowth is very vigorous.  Coppice will easily outperform the growth rate of a newly planted tree. During its journey through life, the tree can be both a restaurant and hotel for insects.  In turn, those insects feed birds like woodpeckers and tits.  Each tree is an amazing performer. 

During its busy life, it has absorbed carbon dioxide, provided shelter and food for insects and birds and hopefully given you pleasure looking at your sculpture.  All before being reclaimed by Mother Earth and nourishing the soil on which another tree or plant grows.  Does all this make you want to plant a tree?  We hope so.  Here are some tips you may find useful. When planting trees, always try to make sure the type you use will blend in with what is already there.  If possible, include a mix to help encourage wildlife. Do not plant a tree under overhead cables or above underground services.  Make sure the species you plant has enough space to mature fully.  If you choose to plant a hardwood tree, remember there will be leaves to clear up in the autumn!