great turn the wood round to see the bark on the side only

Silver Birch

Silver birch has long been part of the Irish landscape, one of the first trees to return after the last Ice Age and a familiar sight across uplands, field edges, and old woodland clearings. Its pale bark and light canopy made it a tree of renewal in Irish tradition, often associated with beginnings, protection, and the quiet resilience of nature.

In craft, silver birch has always been valued for its fine, even grain and gentle colouring. It’s a hardwood that turns beautifully, smooth, clean, and consistent. Making it ideal for bowls, vases, boards, and decorative pieces. When the timber comes from local Irish woodland, it often carries subtle shifts in tone that reflect the slow, steady growth of our climate.

Historically, birch was used across Ireland for small household items, tool handles, pegs, and even early furniture. Its bark was prized for kindling and traditional remedies, while the wood itself was known for being workable yet surprisingly strong. Today, it remains a favourite among woodturners for its balance of simplicity and character.