ENGLISH OAK

English oak is one of the longest lived native trees in the British Isles, with some trees reputed to be at least one thousand years old or more.

It is very common throughout the whole of Britain and is a characteristic tree of lowland England.

English oak is easily recognisable by its dense twiggy nature, and characteristic lobed leaves that appear in May. The tree forms an impressive crown in an open situation, but is much taller and narrower in woodland where competition is more intense. The oak has no stalks to the leaves, but does have stalks to the acorns.  The uses of English oak timber are legendary. It was used in the construction of all early battle ships, and many fishing boats. The wood has had many uses including building construction, furniture, farm machinery, gates and fencing. The bark was used for tanning leather.