Walnut wood was first imported into England

from Virginia in the early part of the sixteenth

century and it was made into

homemade furniture.

However the fine grain was not really appreciated and most of the pieces

were painted!

It really came into its’ own during the

mid eighteenth century but by this time the

wood was becoming scarce.

However, Walnut is still the most popular wood for gun makers, the famous

Lee Enfield rifle of the First World War

had a walnut gun stock.

It does not warp, shrink or splinter

and is incredibly light in proportion

to its strength.

It is also much sought after for

making guitar bodies.

If you would like to grow a

Walnut tree make sure you

do not plant it next to

apple or birch trees.

The Walnut produces a

chemical ‘Juglone’ which

can inhibit growth from neighbouring

plants, it does this to make sure

no other plant steals

its’ nutrients!

Our Walnut firewood is

from California

Nuts from the Walnut tree in ancient

times symbolised fertility and were thrown

at weddings (might not be as popular as confetti with the happy couple!!)

In Romania brides who wished to

delay children placed one walnut in the bodice of their wedding dress for each

year they hoped to wait

(oh my goodness! – I wonder if it worked!)

In parts of south west France

there is evidence

that the Walnut has existed there

for 17,000 years and were eaten

by the Cro-Magnon man.

During the tenth century peasants paid

their debts with nuts, in the eleventh

century they were expected to tithe

Walnuts to the church and in the

thirteenth century Walnut oil was

considered as precious as gold.

Walnut has a very pale almost silver

coloured bark which is deeply furrowed;

the wood is a light pale cream with

an occasional dark brown centre

The Walnut trees are deciduous

and can grow up to 130 foot

(40 metres) tall – some of the

leaves are 35 inches (90cm) long.

In Iran at the Shahmirzad Orchard

the Walnut trees cover over 750

hectares – this is the largest

Walnut Orchard in the World.

Husks are used to dye fabrics

but rubber gloves should be used

when picking the Walnuts to

avoid staining your fingers,

it can be quite difficult

to remove the staining.

Shells from the Walnut are used as an

organic abrasive which is environmentally friendly and can also be recycled.

It is used extensively for cleaning and

polishing; maintaining seals for oil well

drilling; as a paint thickener for special

effects; occasionally used for soap

and cleansers and amazingly

it is also used as filler in dynamite!

Telephone: 01555-880000

Mobile: 07858-933275

Email: info@druidswood.co.uk

Web Site by: Magnolia Osram

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