Cannington College partners with Global Machinery Solutions to salvage campus timber
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Thursday 23rd April
Cannington College is proud to showcase the latest success in its commitment to student enterprise and environmental stewardship: the “Tree to Treasure” project.
Utilising a professional-grade Norwood Sawmill – generously provided via Global Machinery Solutions – our Level 2 and Level 3 students are transforming salvaged campus timber into high-end, bespoke walnut furniture.
The project represents a perfect synergy between technical education and the circular economy, turning what would have been waste timber into functional art.
At the heart of the college grounds now sit two handcrafted walnut benches, each a unique testament to student skill. They were born from trees removed right here on campus, not store-bought wood. By repurposing this timber, our students have embraced a low-waste manufacturing model that honours the natural grain and history of the wood.
The quality and craftsmanship our students have displayed are exceptional. These benches would retail for at least £700 each, reflecting the real-world commercial value of the skills being taught here.
Ben Jarvis
Tutor and Practical Instructor
This initiative goes beyond the workshop. We are preparing our students for the modern forestry and arboriculture industries, where sustainability is a primary market driver. By participating in this project, students are mastering:
Precision Operation: Safe and efficient use of the Norwood Sawmill to maximise material yield
Quality Assessment: Identifying and selecting high-grade timber suitable for furniture
Commercial Strategy: Learning to price products, manage costs, and plan for “student-led enterprise.”
The project’s impact is designed to be self-sustaining. While the current benches enhance our campus aesthetic, future pieces are already in the works. The college has retained several large trees for upcoming projects, with a clear social mission:
Charitable Giving: A portion of future sales proceeds will be donated to local charities
Student Development: Remaining funds will support an educational camping trip to STIHL, further enriching the student experience
Community Impact: Students are graduating with the ability to offer clients “timber repurposing” services, turning felled trees into heirlooms rather than firewood.
The College Group extends its sincere gratitude to Global Machinery Solutions and Norwood Sawmills. Access to this professional-grade machinery has not only boosted our curriculum but has empowered our students to see themselves as the sustainable business leaders of tomorrow.
As this project continues to grow, it remains a shining example of how Cannington College integrates practical skills with social responsibility.
