Ash
Ash is more productive than oak on the best sites (calcareous, deep, moist but well-drained loams) with a rotation of 60 years.
Ash timber is renowned for its toughness particularly its flexibility which is why it is still widely used for tool handles (e.g. axes and sledge hammers) and sports equipment (e.g. hockey and hurley sticks). Ash is also one of the best firewoods and can be burnt when still green:
...ash green or ash brown
is fit for queen with crown of gold...traditional poem
There are currently two trials of ash managed by the Northmoor Trust and planted at Paradise Wood.
ASH Fraxinus excelsior BREEDING SEEDLING ORCHARD
References : Savill, P. S., Spencer, R., Roberts, J. E., and Hubert, J. D. (1999). Sixth year results from four ash (Fraxinus excelsior) breeding seedling orchards. Silvae Genetica, 48, 92-100
One of four trials planted throughout Britain and co-ordinated by BIHIP. This trial is a collection of selected trees that are planted together so that they can interbreed to produce see of improved quality for timber production. The trials are aiming for gains, in recoverable volume, of between 15 to 20%. Seed production is expected to start in the year 2008.
ASH Fraxinus excelsior PROVENANCE TRIAL
A trial co-ordinated by Forest Research containing 15 provenances sampled from the UK and the northern European continent. The trial aims to identify sources suitable for growing in Britain by comparing survival, growth, phenology, form and resistance to frost, pests and diseases. The trials will also provide information on intraspecific genetic variation.
