A woodcraft expert is putting sustainability at the heart of his business and hopes to preserve the natural world for generations to come.

Michael Spedding started working full-time on his business RIV'N Woodcraft from his home in Claydon at the beginning of this year.

Ipswich Star: Michael Spedding, 37, has started up his own woodwork business, named Riv'n.Michael Spedding, 37, has started up his own woodwork business, named Riv'n. (Image: Chris Bedwell Photography)

The 37-year-old creates all manner of pieces, but mainly focuses on crafting high-quality gates and fences from sweet chestnut wood.

Ipswich Star: Mr Spedding built his own backyard workshop in Claydon.Mr Spedding built his own backyard workshop in Claydon. (Image: Chris Bedwell Photography)

"I like to work with sweet chestnut as it fares well outdoors because it's very durable," said Mr Spedding.

"You can leave it for 15 to 20 years untreated and it won't rot."

Mr Spedding's journey with woodcraft started six years ago, when he attended a woodland management workshop run by the Green Light Trust. 

Ipswich Star: Michael Spedding uses locally sourced sweet chestnut wood.Michael Spedding uses locally sourced sweet chestnut wood. (Image: Chris Bedwell Photography)

He started small by carving spoons and spatulas, but eventually found that he had a knack for woodcraft and started making custom pieces for his friends and family.

Mr Spedding uses a traditional method of woodland management called coppicing, which utilises the capacity of many species of trees to put out new shoots from their stump if cut down.Ipswich Star: Mr Spedding operates from his workshop, which is based in the back garden of his Claydon home.Mr Spedding operates from his workshop, which is based in the back garden of his Claydon home. (Image: Chris Bedwell Photography)

Living in a household of five children, he understands the importance of preserving nature for the next generation.

Ipswich Star: Mr Spedding says he prefers to work sweet chestnut wood as it is a very durable material.Mr Spedding says he prefers to work sweet chestnut wood as it is a very durable material. (Image: Chris Bedwell Photography)

"I like to teach the kids about sustainability," he said

"You might be able to go to B&Q and get a gate for £50 but you don't know who it's come from.

"I want to do something where you're able to see the supply chains and know where every piece came from."

Mr Spedding works from a workshop he built himself in the back garden of his Claydon home.

"It has a bit of a hobbit-y or medieval feel, but it's my little retreat," he said.

Ipswich Star: All Mr Spedding's materials are locally sourced to aid in his sustainability mission.All Mr Spedding's materials are locally sourced to aid in his sustainability mission. (Image: Michael Spedding)

Mr Spedding said his main vision for RIV'N was to create long-lasting, rustic and unique products using sustainable and eco-friendly practices.