About Oak Oakmasters are proud to confirm that we have gained accreditation for Chain of Custody from the two world recognised bodies detailed below. Upon request at the time of order, the source of any of our products can be traced back to sustainably managed stocks.   * To see government policy on the sustainable forestry and the growth of British woodlands, please visit the Forestry Commission Website.

The two types of Oak most commonly found in the United Kingdom are Quercus Robur, the common Oak, also known as English or Pedunculate Oak, and Quercus Petraea, the Durmast or Sessile Oak. The branches of the Sessile Oak are straighter than those of the Common Oak and the main trunk is less branched. The Common Oak has stalked Acorns, whereas the Sessile Oak has no stalks.

The inherent beauty of Oak has been cited in poetry and prose for centuries and it maintains a special value at the heart of British culture. Its qualities go far beyond the simply practical. Favoured through the ages for basic purposes such as roof supports, or by shipbuilders and cabinetmakers, the use of oak for shelter, security and elaborate décor has become a cherished tradition.

Oakmasters is dedicated to the continuation of these important traditions, whilst placing them in a contemporary and progressive setting. We pride ourselves on an old fashioned sense of service and attention to detail, whilst utilising the benefits of state of the art skills and technology.

The problem of deforestation is not a new phenomenon. During Henry VIII’s reign about a third of England and Wales was covered in Oak Trees; but by the time of the Restoration, John Evelyn, in his work "Sylva" was warning that Britain's stock of Oak trees was dangerously depleted. Charles II, who was then Monarch and had his own reasons for admiring the Oak, set about a large-scale replanting programme. This was to stand the nation in good stead for Nelson's Navy.

By the end of the industrial revolution it was clear that no one else was as far sighted as Evelyn. However, progressively tougher government policy and environmental awareness in twentieth century have shifted the balance. We are now left with expanding forests, attractive products and environmentally friendly materials.*

Pre-historic and historic clearance of our woodland led us to a low point at the beginning of the twentieth century when woodland was covering only 5% of Britain – and falling. It is now nearly 12% - and rising. By creating this major new asset, we can be sure of handing on to future generations something better than we inherited.

As we take our first steps into the new millennium, the qualities of Oak are still admired and put to use. Dedicated to the long-standing goal of maintaining this invaluable material set up by our ancestors, Oakmasters is committed to ecological conservation. We believe that the only way forward is to manage our natural wealth and will only source our materials from properly managed, sustainable supplies.