Beech trees are native to temperate Europe, Asia and North America. Some suggest that it was introduced into Britain & Ireland by Neolithic tribes who planted the trees for their edible nuts. The beech is classified as a native in the south of England and as a non-native in the north where it is often removed from ‘native’ woods. Spalting is any form of wood coloration caused by fungi. Although primarily found in dead trees, spalting can also occur in living trees under stress. Spalting can cause weight loss and strength loss in the wood but the unique coloration and patterns of spalted wood are sought after by woodworkers.
