We have planted over a thousand native trees on the four acres of land surrounding the Workshop; including oak, ash, elm, birch and Scots pine.

I am constantly adding to my store of materiels, and am always on the look out for unusual or rare wood, as these are often the inspiration for my work. I believe that learning about wood is an ongoing experience, each species has its own unique characteristics, colour,texture weight, lustre even smell, all play a part.

Generally I attempt to use native hardwoods wherever possible, they are more challenging to work than the alternative American, European or Tropical hardwoods. But to me there is something unique about them as they reflect the climate and soil they have grown in. Irish hardwoods tend to be from old or storm damaged trees and so their felling is not a danger to the environment.