Trees are an important part of Scouting and Bushcraft, providing shelter, fuel, building materials, wildlife habitats, and valuable learning opportunities. Understanding how to identify common British trees helps Scouts and outdoor enthusiasts develop practical woodland skills while gaining a greater appreciation for nature.
This guide explores some of the most common trees found in UK woodlands, including Oak, Ash, Birch, Hazel, Beech, and Willow. Learn how to recognise each species, discover their traditional uses in Bushcraft, and understand their importance in the natural environment.
Whether you are working towards a Scout badge, improving your outdoor knowledge, or developing survival skills, learning about trees is a fundamental step towards becoming confident and responsible in the countryside.
You can use the tree name links (in Blue) to find out more about the tree and some bushcraft uses.
The Burning Properties of Wood From FS315001
The burning properties of woods referred to in this factsheet are for dry, seasoned wood. All woods burn better when seasoned and some burn better when split rather than as whole logs.
In wet weather if you have no dry kindling go to the nearest hedge. You can always find dry dead wood for starting a fire in the thickest part of the hedge, but take care not to damage the hedge itself.
* Woods marked with an asterisk are not likely to come to hand very often these days, but can be found particularly on old farms and long established forests.
Alder: Poor in heat and does not last.
Apple: Splendid. It burns slowly and steadily with little flame but good heat. The scent is also pleasing.
Ash: The best burning wood providing both flame and heat and if necessary will burn when green.
Beech: A rival to ash, though not as good and only fair when green.
Birch: The heat is good but it burns quickly. The smell is pleasant.
Blackthorn: Quite one of the best woods. Burns slowly, with good heat and little smoke.
*Cedar: Needs to be fully dried. Full of snap and crackle. It gives little flame but much heat and the scent is beautiful.
Cherry: Burns slowly with good heat. Another wood with the advantage of a pleasant scent.
Douglas Fir: Little flame or heat.
Elder: Mediocre. Very smoky quick burner with not much heat.
Elm: Unpredictable since Dutch elm disease. Can, but not always, smoke violently. One large log put on before bed will keep the fire in for the morning.
Hawthorn: Similar to blackthorn.
Hazel: Good.
Holly: Good only when seasoned.
Hornbeam: Almost as good as beech.
Horse Chestnut: Good flame and heating power but spits a lot.
Larch: Crackly, scented and fairly good for heat.
Laurel: Has a brilliant flame.
Lime: Poor. Burns with a dull flame.
Maple: Good.
Oak: It is sparse in flame and the smoke is acrid. Very old dry seasoned oak is excellent for heat, burning slowly and steadily and producing little ash.
Pear: A good heat and a good scent.
Pine: Burns with a splendid flame, but is apt to spit. The resinous Weymouth pine has a lovely scent and a cheerful blue flame.
*Plane: Burns pleasantly but can throw sparks if very dry.
Plum: Good heat and scent.
Poplar: Poor to fair.
*Rhododendron: The thick old stems, being very tough, burn well.
*Robinia (Acacia): Burns slowly with good heat but with acrid smoke.
Spruce: Burns too quickly and with too many sparks.
Sycamore: Burns with a good flame with moderate heat.
*Walnut: Good with a pleasant scent.
Willow: Poor. Burns slowly with little flame even when seasoned and is apt to spark.
*Yew: Last but one of the best. Burns slowly with a fierce heat and the scent is pleasant.
A rhyme to help you to remember
These hardwoods burn well and slowly,
Ash, beech, hawthorn oak and holly.
Softwoods flare up quick and fine,
Birch, fir, hazel, larch and pine.
Elm and willow you'll regret,
Chestnut green and sycamore wet
Burning Properties of Wood
♻️ Scout Bushcraft Principle
Use fallen or dead wood where possible. Never damage a living tree unnecessarily. Take only what you need and leave enough for wildlife and the woodland.
Pine gives Scouts an opportunity to practise fire lighting, woodcraft, shelter building, identification and responsible use of natural resources.
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Location: Essex