Find a local seller of firewood and ask if he has any birch. If you explain exactly what you want he would be happy to oblige, if possible.

Thank you Bulbaholic, I'll give it a go!

But be warned, they rot very quickly so they won't make a permanent display.

Ah. I did wonder about that. Thanks Steragram, will bear it in mind.

I am paying about £60 per ton for hardwood logs. A woodsman would probably sell you just several logs for a few pounds and they would last for a few years. If you can get the logs i think that it would probably be worth it.

Thanks Bulbaholic, still worth considering then. It's either that or an obelisk but I'm finding it hard to find one I like and would prefer the log really. I'm not sure how to go about finding a woodsman in my area. Yellow pages?

No. Local advert papers and freebie newspapers - whatever you have in your area.

Thank you, I'll have a look.

Just to let you know that I've managed to obtain a tree stump/log! I mentioned it to my dad and he suggested we go to the local nature centre close to where he lives, which chip their own logs to make bark chippings for mulch. Voila! There was the perfect tree trunk, the right height, light in colour and all knobbly and interesting. Mine for the taking, with permission I hasten to add, although I did give a £5 donation to the centre to say thanks. Well chuffed! Thanks for the tips and suggestions everyone.