About

Founded in 1990, and with a reputation for rigour, expertise, and service, Ashwells is a family-run timber reclamation and reuse contractor for eco conscious customers who are looking for a natural construction material that is sustainable.

When you need timber salvage and reclamation expert advice, Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified timber supplies and specialist wood machining facilities, look no further than Ashwells.

In a word. Assurance. The FSC® certified chain of custody process we follow, the tropical and temperate repurposed timber we supply, the machining services we offer and the know-how we possess are all best in class. Our FSC® certified reclaimed timber provides a cost-effective and durable alternative to new or composite options, for anyone – construction, furniture manufacturing, landscape design or marine engineering. By choosing Ashwells you verify your commitment to sustainable salvage and supply.

1

Assurance

We are Forest Stewardship Council verified and meet rigorous chain of custody requirements at every step in the supply chain, from sourcing to distribution.

2

Expertise

Thanks to 30+ years' experience, we are able to collaborate closely with customers to audit and reclaim, de metal, mill, and plane timber to almost any specification.

3

Service

Our knowledgeable team is always on hand for expert advice and guidance to ensure you reclaim suitable timber or select the right species for the job.

Ashwells Timber

Our facility is an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of reclaimed tropical and temperate timbers including sleepers, keel blocks, lock gates, piles and fenders and our one-of-a-kind on-site mill is manned by expert craftspeople.

We started out in 1990 when George Tutt – who had spent most of his working life on the River Thames, as a Lighterman – and his daughter Janine were invited to reclaim timber from King George V Dock to make way for City Airport to be built. The yard in Bulphan, Essex was purpose-built, and we have been reclaiming and repurposing timber from here ever since.

Watch our team in action

Janine

Managing Director

I have worked within the reclamation industry for over 30 years and was one of the founding members of Salvo UK; an organisation specialising in bringing together likeminded companies within the reclamation industry. During my career I’ve worked with award winning Landscape Designers, Architects and Civil Engineers.

Deb

Operations & Marketing Manager

With twenty years in public service behind me, I joined Ashwells in 2010 having been drawn to the company and its ethos, especially the potential of the wood itself. This has taken me all over the country, clambering under jetties and scaling piles of timber.

Ed

Yard Supervisor

I have been working at Ashwells for most of my life as it is my family run business. I have worked my way up the ranks over the last few years and have enjoyed all of the challenges that have presented themselves and it’s a job I enjoy.

Andy

Mill Manager

Having worked for Ashwells for 6 years, my favourite part has always been the warm reception from customers seeing the finished product for the first time and the photos of our products in use.

Sam

Yard Operative

After starting temporarily outside of term time, Ashwells has always welcomed me back in and out of my studies. With a friendly close-knit team, Ashwells has allowed me to be flexible with my work while also teaching me new skills and put to use my current ones to become a valued member of the team.

Ben

Yard Operative

I have worked for Ashwells for a number of years, and I have vastly enjoyed my time so far. A highlight for me was preparing the timber for the back to nature garden at Chelsea for the then, Dutchess of Cambridge.

Gemma

Office Manager

Working at Ashwells is a unique and fulfilling experience. No two days are ever the same, new challenges and situations keep us on our toes and help us to stay focused. The team are great fun, passionate about their work and it is a rewarding environment to be a part of.

Karen

Office Assistant

I have been working at Ashwell for almost a year now, and I feel fortunate to be a part of a team that is both dedicated and fun. We are lucky to have the opportunity to work with a diverse customer base, which makes every day interesting!

Feedback

Tom Massey

Tom Massey Studio

Ashwells is a treasure trove of reclaimed timber, and well worth a visit to the yard for inspiration! They supplied us reclaimed timber for show gardens at RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court and were very helpful, accommodating and knowledgeable, able to advise and input on the most suitable timber to achieve the aesthetic and performance we needed.

Dawn Conn

Dawn Conn Sculptor

Throughout my time working with Ashwells timber, I have witnessed the tremendous effort and recognition that they have put into promoting the use of reclaimed timber. Their dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and they have gone from strength to strength. I have no doubt that they will continue to thrive, and I look forward to seeing all the incredible things they will achieve in the future.

Joe Perkins

Joe Perkins Design

The reclaimed timber they endeavour to find and supply is not only beautiful but also has a rich history and unique character that adds a touch of authenticity to each and every project. They sourced and supplied reclaimed timber for our 2019 and 2022 gold medal winning Chelsea Flower Show Gardens. Their commitment to sustainability and quality is truly outstanding.

Giles Heap

CED Stone Group

I've had the pleasure of knowing the Tutt family and Ashwells' for nearly three decades. Their dedication to the sustainable re-use of wood in all forms is second to none, so there really is no one else in the UK that I would talk to about reclaimed wood.

Kate Willard OBE

Thames Estuary Envoy

Ashwells are a shining example of a creative, kind, amazing and productive business. We are so proud that they are a Thames Estuary Growth Board Visionary and we look forward to continued mutual support and collaboration over the years to come.

Bam Nuttall and
Mott MacDonald

Ashwells understood and matched all of the requirements set out in the design and in the Environment Agency procurement guidelines. And, was able to profile and drill the fenders within a short time frame, that could not be matched by other sawmills.