In the summer of 2003 a large wych elm, well known to regular visitors to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, was felled because it had become a danger to the public. Elms are rapidly disappearing from Edinburgh’s streets and parks due to dutch elm disease and the project aims to highlight the unique value of this tree and the timber it provides.
Elms have declined throughout Scotland not just Edinburgh. Wych elm, also known as Scotch elm, is particularly valuable as the only elm native to Britain and one of only 20 trees native to Scotland.
The wood is richly coloured with striking grain pattern. Unfortunately with the rapid demise of the elm it’s a timber that will not be available for much longer. The Wych Elm Project invites you to own a piece of furniture, art or craft made from one of Scotland's largest and best-loved trees. This is a unique opportunity to participate in a project that will both celebrate and highlight the plight of our native elms, culminating in a major new exhibition in 2008.
