First you need a decent book. I'd get the Traditional Bowyers Bibles series. Trying to get all the info off forums is very difficult, much more logical and quicker to read it in one place.
Then go out and cut a few staves.
Reduce them down to floor tiller and then keep inside to dry.
In the mean time you could contact a woodyard and ask for ash/oak boards with perfectly straight grain to get started on while your staves dry.
Where in England are you? I would be happy to show you the basics if you are anywhere near County Durham.