bluebell wood

We had a lovely visit to our woodland last week during bluebell time.  The best time to visit varies each year varies depending on the weather but it is usually late May / early June (about a month later than the south of England). We usually have Open Days and guided tours organised but unfortunately these were cancelled this year due to Covid-19.

The trees above left of the image are oak. We have large swathes of these trees that were coppiced until 1920’s (for tannin) and as they are now over-crowded we fell a few each year. This is beneficial to the remaining trees, allows space for natural regeneration which in turn improves resilience and bio-diversity. Working gently and respectfully with nature always reaps rewards.

There are several open areas with bluebells which were probably browsed by cattle in previous times. Scottish beef cattle, and Highland Cows, love to graze in woodland.

The fifty acre, co-owned woodland is about five miles downstream from our workshop and now provides small-section characterful timber, not at all like the wide clean planks usually used for fine furniture making. This supply of unusual timber led to a deep exploration of steam-bending, and incorporating this technique into our furniture helped establish our signature curvaceous style.

Please see a short film below and spot us having a picnic between the bluebells and the river.