Beech tree

Aspects of the tree

The Beech is the only broad-leafed tree to have established itself substantially on both sides of the equator. An old Beechwood has the longest echo of any woodland: a sound eerie and disturbing. Wherever a Beech grows it takes over completely; scarcely a bramble or a toadstool grow in the moss below the massed Beech trunks. Their layered canopy lets only threads of sunlight through. Hence the long-answering echo; the echo of an empty room. A Beech grown in the open keeps branches right down to the ground to protect its trunk from sunlight.

Beech in the United Kingdom

Since its emergence in England 3000 years ago, Beech has set today as the third most common tree in British woodlands. Usually associated with the chalk hills of southern England, it does, in fact, thrive on a variety of well-drained soils as long as it has sufficient moisture.

Uses of beech

Beech wood bends beautifully and can be turned easily making it an ideal material for furniture, particularly chairs. It is fine-grained and knot-free, the branches falling off early to leave a clean bole. Furthermore its light red-brown color with darker flecks polishes to a superb natural finish.

Beech woodlands are managed to supply this still-thriving industry. The chairmakers - or 'bodgers' - once worked within the woods, setting up primitive lathes to turn the legs.

Sources

Biodiversity group, University of Glasgow