Vale couple invent carbon neutral pens during lockdown using homegrown wood from trees and hedgerows

In a fit of pandemic boredom, Matt Hunt decided that for the first time in fifteen years he would pick up his old hobby of wood turning with his wife Candice.

The pair, who live near Wendover, decided to utilise the forty-five varieties of willow that had been hand planted and grown on the family’s property for sustainability projects.

Here species of poplar and eucalyptus are examples of some of the varieties grown that Matt and Candice craft with to create beautiful hand-lathed pens.

Candice said: “After crafting the first pen, we looked at each other and realised we were on to something.”

The pens they have created offset their own carbon footprint.

Any small carbon occurrence incurred from the creation and distribution of the pens is offset through the extensive planting of sustainable, fast-growing trees to renew air cleanliness.

Candice added: “An added bonus is, of course, the huge benefit to local wildlife and the ongoing development of ever-increasing habitats.”

The ‘Hedgerow’ team are now working on their startup business with pens now available through a Facebook page, ‘Hedgerow Artisan’ and soon to be in Etsy online stores.

In the meantime, Matt and Candice are busy refining their designs and techniques to ensure their products remain sustainable, reliable and continue to be in the future.

They are continuing to research alternative materials and methods that contribute to an even cleaner product.

Have you done something amazing during the lockdown? Email [email protected]