From tree to signpost.

Here in the Teign Valley we like to make use of what nature has given us, in this case Oak trees, lots and lots of Oak trees. Over the last few years we have begun the process of thinning much of our more accessible areas of woodland, which provides us with wood which may be sold as firewood or set aside for other purposes. When we collect enough large, straight(ish) and not too knotty pieces we bring a contractor with a Lucas Mill who turns the logs into posts and boards for us. The timber is stored in our yard until a project comes along.



Take the humble signpost. Most National trust properties have hundreds of these directing the walker, cyclist or horserider down one path or another, they are what make sense of the property to visitors and turn a potentially nightmare visit into a highly enjoyable one in which visitors can concentrate on the scenery and the experience rather than worrying about where they are or where they are going. Some areas and other organisations have signposts specially made by outside contractors at tremendous cost, we make our own with...you guessed it... Oak.

The process starts in our workshop, taking a milled Oak post, planing it down to improve its appearance and reduce it to the correct size, a pyramid shape is cut by hand at the top to aid water shedding and reduce the likelihood of rot. Meanwhile, finger boards are cut, sanded and lettered using our "routergraph", a system which allows us to accurately cut letters into wood using a router. The fingers are inserted into square holes (mortices) cut into the post and secured with hand cut wooden pegs. The post is then taken to the site (often where an old post needs to be replaced) and dug at least three feet into the ground (no mean task on parts of Dartmoor). Being Oak the posts should last for 15-20 years without too much further input on our part, though we do have to sand the finger boards occasionally as Lichens have a habit of obscuring directions to the pub! The whole process takes a couple of days from start to finish, and much of the work is undertaken by our dedicated team of volunteers.


We like using our own Oak because:

• It is cheaper for us to do it than paying someone else.


• The results will last longer and look better


• The Oak weathers well and matchs the surroundings rather than standing out too much.

We hope that now you know the story behind such humble items, you will appreciate them all the more.

And Finally;

We are looking for volunteers specifically to be involved in our workshop, to undertake woodwork for us and to act as "quartermasters" for the yard. If you are interested please call the ranger on 07812 974512 or E-mail tom.wood@nationaltrust.org.uk