Summary

Overview
There are around 45 to 65 species of ash. There are widespread across Europe, Asia and North America.
The English name ash is thought to stem from the Latin word æsc which means spear. This is down to ash been the preferred wood for spear making due to the toughness of the wood.
By far the most common species in the UK is the European ash. The majority of other species are only grown ornamentally in the UK or grow throughout Europe.
As mentioned above, the wood of ash is one of the toughest and has had many historic uses such as spears, wheel rims, gymnasium equipment, police truncheons, rope ladders, and rungs for ships. It has also been used for car frames and for housebuilding.
It is still widely used today, its uses include pallets, tall handles, sports equipment, furniture, and is used for turnery.
Ash is often known as the best firewood and so has been used as such throughout history up to present day.

Bushcraft
Very useful due to its manny uses and the fact it is so widespread. Ideal for firewood

Gallery and Identification

Features common to majority of species:
Size - Species variation - 35m to 24m (European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) to Manna Ash (Fraxinus ornus)
Bark - bark is grey. It is street in younger trees or becomes more fissured in or trees. It often has lichen growing on the bark which can be white or green in colour.
Leaves - all members of this genus have pinnate leaves. Leaves are the ovate lanceolate. They have a toothed edge.
Reproductive Parts - small, wind pollinated flowers. The seeds hang in clusters from the branches; they are known as keys (see gallery).
Distribution - ash trees are found all over the British isles aside from the Highlands of Scotland.
Surroundings - ash can be found in a variety of surroundings from hedgerows to woodlands. It is very widespread.

Resources

Firewood Building matterial

Food

Immature seeds when prepared