seasoning london plane

Hi everyone,

I recently managed to grab a slab of london plane from the syd botanical gardens as they had to fell the tree due to disease, termites etc.

It was from a 100+ year old tree. The ranger said they sent out invites to wood turners and furniture makers to help them take the timber (anyone got this invite from here?).

Anyway, after a few days and still the main trunk was still lying there, as I think it was too big for anyone to take. They chain-saw it down to make park benches. I happen to be there and asked if I can grab a piece to make a chopping block. They said OK, and now I got the slab.

Attachment 219785 Attachment 219786 Attachment 219787

The slab is roughly 450mm x 350mm x 120 mm.

I would like to know:

1. Would this wood be OK to use as a chopping board/block?

2. If so, how long should I dry it for?

3. How and when should I apply seasoning liquid on it. And any recommendation as to which should I use. I would like to use only natural product only if possible.

My plan is if the wood is still ok after drying, to build a 4 legged wooden trolley so this block can rest on top.

This will be my first significant project as a beginner. Am planning to see if there is any salvage timbers around to make legs.

Thanks in advance.