The focus of this study is the experimental assessment of the mechanical behaviour of balsa wood and its sandwich structures, where balsa serves as the core, supported by carbon fibre-epoxy skin layers. A comprehensive characterisation is conducted on the mechanical behaviour of balsa wood and carbon fibre-epoxy balsa core sandwich structures subjected to a range of low strain rates. Initially, the study undertakes a consistent procedure for sample preparation. Subsequently, the characterisation of the manufactured composite structures is performed experimentally. A stereo microscope is employed for a detailed visual inspection of the internal structure of the balsa wood and the sandwich structures. Furthermore, the mechanical characterisation is carried out with three-point bending tests at a range of strain rates from 0.1 % to 6 % strain per minute. This research reveals key findings about balsa wood and its sandwich structures, highlighting their performance and their sensitivity even under low strain rates.