Morris stick collecting

Hazel is by far the best wood for Morris staves for several reasons. Hazel splits longitudinally and rarely snaps off when being used. Straight staves of suitable sizes are readily available throughout the UK. Other woods are Ash, difficult to find straight. Willow snaps quite easily but Maple is possibly the worse. When seasoned correctly hazel is a durable hard timber. Hazel is fairly fast growing and so is a sustainable resource. The bark is easily stripped and seasoning time is relatively short. Hazel makes a satisfying wood sound when struck.