Ash Wood: A Closer Look at This Beautiful and Resilient British Hardwood
At E11 Woodturning, we work with many native hardwoods, but few are as versatile and visually distinctive as Ash wood. Found across the UK, Ash trees have long been a favourite among woodturners and craftspeople – not just for their practical qualities, but for their natural beauty and heritage.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the Ash tree itself, what makes Ash timber so special, and why it remains a prized material in the world of woodturning and woodworking.
What is an Ash Tree?
The Common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is one of the most widespread native trees in the UK. Often found in woodlands, hedgerows, and along riverbanks, the Ash tree is a tall, elegant hardwood species that can grow up to 35 metres in height and live for several hundred years.
Key features of the Ash tree:
- Distinctive Leaves: Ash trees have pinnate leaves, usually made up of 7 to 13 leaflets arranged opposite each other on a central stem. In autumn, these leaves turn a vibrant yellow before falling.
- Light Bark: Younger trees have smooth grey bark that becomes more fissured and patterned with age.
- Open Canopy: Mature Ash trees often have a wide, open crown that lets light through, supporting a rich woodland understorey.
- Helicopter Seeds: In autumn, Ash trees drop clusters of winged seeds known as "keys" or "helicopters" – a familiar sight for many nature lovers.
Ash is not just admired for its appearance – it plays an important role in supporting wildlife and maintaining biodiversity in British ecosystems.
The Unique Qualities of Ash Wood
Ash timber is as attractive as the tree it comes from. Pale, elegant, and surprisingly strong, Ash wood has long been cherished by furniture makers, woodturners, and instrument makers alike.
Colour and Grain
Ash wood is typically light cream to pale brown in colour, sometimes with a hint of pink. It has a straight, uniform grain, giving it a clean, contemporary look – ideal for both rustic and modern designs.
Occasionally, Ash can feature darker streaks or olive-toned heartwood known as Olive Ash, which is highly prized for its dramatic contrast and character.
Texture and Hardness
Ash has a medium to coarse texture and is considered a hardwood, though it is more flexible than many other hardwood species. This gives it an ideal balance of toughness and resilience – a dream to work with on the lathe.
Ash Trees in the British Landscape
The Ash is deeply woven into the cultural and natural history of the UK. In mythology, it was often seen as a sacred or magical tree, and even today, old Ash trees are admired for their beauty and longevity.
Sadly, Ash trees in the UK are currently under threat from a disease called Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), which has affected many woodlands and landscapes across the country. Responsible sourcing and careful woodland management are more important than ever – something we take seriously in all our work at E11 Woodturning.
Why We Love Working with Ash
We choose Ash not just for its workability and strength, but because it's a sustainable and locally available hardwood. Each item we make showcases the tree’s natural character – whether it’s a clean-grained bowl or a decorative serving board full of rich figuring.
By choosing Ash, you’re not only selecting a beautiful and functional wood, but also supporting British forestry and helping to preserve traditional crafts.
Handcrafted Ash Serving Boards – Sustainably Made in the UK
We're proud to share that we’ve recently created a limited range of Ash serving boards, handcrafted from a locally felled Ash tree in Brighton. The ash tree we’ve used in our collection grew in Brighton, East Sussex, before it was felled due to age or disease management. Rather than letting this beautiful timber go to waste, we reclaimed it and began the careful process of turning it into serving boards that honour its story.
Here’s why our customers love ash:
- Versatile aesthetic – works beautifully in modern, rustic, or traditional kitchens
- Naturally antibacterial properties – ideal for food presentation
- Long-lasting craftsmanship – resistant to warping and cracking with proper care
Plus, because ash is a native species, using it supports sustainable forestry and helps preserve the UK’s natural biodiversity.
👉 Browse our Ash serving boards and order online here