Scientific name: Fraxinus excelsior

Origin: Native to the UK

Key identifying traits: Large black buds, greyish brown bark and small oval leaves in opposite pairs.

Its winged seeds hang in bunches known as ‘keys’.

In the wood: May be found in broadleaf woodland within the canopy layer (the top, highest layer made up of the tallest trees) . Mature trees can grow up to 35m tall.

Uses: Ash is a very tough wood and has been used for making cricket bats, tool handles, ladders and more. It also burns well and is one of few woods in UK woods that can be burnt while green (freshly cut).