sessile oak is one of the most important species in europe both economically and ecologically. oak timber is traditionally used for building, ships and furniture. today the best woods are used for quality cabinetmaking, veneers and barrel staves. rougher material is used for fence construction, roof beams and specialist building work. it is also a good fuel wood. during autumns with good acorn crops (the mast years) animals are traditionally grazed under the trees to fatten them.