Common Beech (fagus sylvatica) is a deciduous tree native to southern England and South Wales. It’s very popular with wood turners and is suitable for furniture as well as delicate items. The grain in beech is, naturally, a pale tan colour and has a fine tight grain. Spalting is caused by fungi that attacks the drying wood and creates a marble-like pattern such that no two pieces of timber are exactly the same, producing a striking contrast throughout the piece.