beyond the grain
It was a genuine pleasure to spend the day recently at Ashwells Reclaimed Timber (organised by the SGLD). We were hosted by the fantastic team at their site in Essex, led by Deb, Janine, and Ed.
Ashwells is an unassuming, yet immensely impactful business, with family roots going back over 30 years. The facility is filled with stunning marine-grade reclaimed wood, each piece holding a rich, traceable history. It was fascinating to hear Ed and Deb recount the stories of this timber with such enthusiasm; their anecdotes felt more like cherished memories, and the company’s passion for sustainable practice and the materials they work with is immediately evident.
I was introduced to several tropical wood varieties that were new to me, including Greenheart, Ekki, and Opepe, alongside the more commonly known Balau and Jarrah. The team possesses incredible knowledge regarding wood properties, the ageing process, longevity, and the practical pros and cons of using each type.
They are also incredibly open to diverse applications for the wood, capable of working to any specification (the story of the kidney bean sculpture certainly illustrates their versatility - ask about this if you visit), and their portfolio includes many impressive instances of working with designers for RHS show gardens and large commercial projects, down to famous retailers.
While the environment for sourcing reclaimed wood presents increasing challenges, Ashwells emphasised that only the surface has been touched in terms of the quantity of valuable timber still available to be sourced and saved. It is a lengthy process starting from the site analysis pre-salvage, obtaining FSC custody process certification, then de-metalling, storage and milling for re-use. The mill itself at Ashwells is a truly impressive setup; they proudly operate a planer dating from the 1950s, which is one of only two left in the world.
Honestly, this experience has helped me understand the practical aspects and the potential simplicity of using reclaimed timber. I would strongly encourage everyone to explore reclaimed options first to see what can be utilised for their project. I came away from my visit with so much inspiration for future designs and current projects. I think all gardens should contain a precious piece of wooden history; I mean, who doesn’t want a part of Southend-on-Sea’s Pier?
