Lonsdale Burr Oak

Robert Thompson’s recently purchased from A& J Scott Ltd, Wooperton, Northumberland, an exceptionally large burr oak tree.

This particular tree had stood for over 450 years on farm land near Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, and was starting to show signs of die back and root rot, so it was important the tree be felled, rather than leaving it to rot and decay. The log has now been converted into planks of varying thickness by our local sawmill  M.J.Wall & Sons of Ampleforth, near York.

The planks have been laid down in our Kilburn timber yard and will remain there for between 4-6 years to enable them to season naturally, with a helping hand from mother nature herself. When fully seasoned we intend making the planks into some of the most amazing burr oak table tops we have ever produced.

We were fortunate to be able to purchase the tree, as it was destined to be exported to be used for veneering, but because of its size it would not fit on the delivery vehicle.  As they say “ one man’s loss is another man’s gain”

Robert Thompson’s Craftsmen Ltd support various tree planting schemes around the UK, for every tree felled four saplings will be planted.