Urban trees obtaining a new lease on life as capital grain sources

Fallen & Felled: Reviving London's Urban Trees and Crafting History-Rich Furniture

Fallen & Felled (FAF), a unique enterprise co-founded by furniture maker Bruce Saunders and his architect wife, is making waves in London's furniture industry. The company specialises in giving a second life to urban trees, transforming them into furniture rich with character, history, and local roots.

Saunders' journey with FAF began near his home in Camden, where he discovered his first tree for the company. He has since rescued tonnes of black walnut and other hardwood timber, which would otherwise be turned into firewood or biomass, for use in creating fine furniture.

The urban environment causes trees to grow faster, resulting in more colour in the timber, which FAF calls "flaming." This distinctive quality, combined with the unique stories written into the timber, makes each FAF piece truly one-of-a-kind.

FAF's mission is not just about creating beautiful furniture, but also about combating climate change. Approximately 1000 usable trees are felled every year in and around London. By salvaging around 120 felled city trees each year, FAF prevents around 122 tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere. In 2023, this effort saved around 120 felled trees in London alone.

FAF has collaborated with award-winning fine furniture maker Sebastian Cox, and their creations can be found in various locations across the city. For instance, the black poplar salvaged from London's Old Kent Road is used in a Soho jeans store, a local bakery, and a consulting firm.

Patrick Welsh joined FAF in 2020 as a marketing guru, bringing his expertise to the table to help spread the word about this innovative company. FAF's customer base continues to grow, with one recent customer delighted by wartime bomb shrapnel found in a slab of timber.

As FAF continues to grow, they plan to move from their current base in Walthamstow to a railway arch in Camden. Despite their success, FAF remains committed to their mission of reducing their carbon footprint. Less than one-third of CO2 emissions are used by FAF, compared to what they save.

In a world where sustainability and authenticity are increasingly valued, FAF stands out as a shining example of how businesses can make a positive impact on the environment while creating beautiful, unique pieces of furniture.