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And @moocher
Surrey timbers is by far the best hardwood dealer (especially for hobbyists) I've found near London. I wouldn't recommend buying timber online as I know too many experienced guys who've been ripped off. The guys at Surrey timbers are as friendly as you'll ever get at a hardwood dealer and they know their stuff, a huge range and also sell packs for wood turning and other crafts.
This is precisely the rabbit hole I have just been down, unfinished waney edged planks are definitely the way to go (I was looking at 30 to 40mm for stick handles). Planed and sanded planks with finished edges are apparently made of solid gold. EBay is your friend as ever, search by timber species. If you're looking at kiln dried timber, which is cheaper than that which has been seasoned over time, check the pictures VERY carefully for cracks.