Local business rooting for sustainability

A luxury hardwood flooring company recently opened its doors to students and local professionals for a workshop on sustainable timber practices. 

Coppice & Crown, based in North Devon, welcomed students from Rowden Atelier, as well as architects, furniture makers, and designers, to their sawmill for a day of education and discussion.

The event began with a tour of the workshop led by Tom Bedford, Coppice & Crown’s director. 

He walked attendees through the production process, showing how trees are carefully selected, milled, and processed. 

Tom also highlighted important issues facing the timber industry, including sustainability, responsible forestry, and the need to prioritise British craftsmanship. 

Attendees were encouraged to share their insights and experiences.

Founded in 1979, Coppice & Crown has always had sustainability at the heart of its business. 

The company only uses timber from certified British woodlands and powers its site using a combination of biomass energy and a nearby solar farm.

The workshop coincided with the company’s preparation to launch a new range of thermally modified ash timber cladding this autumn. 

The modification process is chemical-free and eco-friendly, increasing the wood’s resistance to rot and decay, ensuring greater durability and sustainability.

Speaking about the importance of their work, Tom Bedford said: “Sourcing, using and managing British timber is vital for reducing the carbon footprints of the interiors, furniture and construction industries. 

“We’ve always put sustainability and traceability at the forefront of every decision, so sharing information and educating others is an incredibly important part of our work. The recent workshop was a great space to discuss issues and solutions with others, while hosting the students from Rowden Atelier was a great opportunity to educate the next generation of British furnituremakers on the importance of sustainability. We’re looking forward to hosting more sessions in the future.”  

For more information about future events, visit the Coppice & Crown website.