Beyond timber

The Cadmus is a giant 40ft long, 40ft tall and 20ft wide play ship constructed not out of wood, but from Plaswood, an innovative 100% recycled material.

Michael Eavis, founder of Glastonbury Festival wanted to construct a sustainable and eco- friendly play boat for the festival’s Green Kids Field. Michael had previously seen Plaswood in use at other children’s play areas and had been impressed by its strong green credentials.

Plaswood planks were employed for the ship’s hull whilst Plaswood decking was utilised for its inner and outer play decks and for its steps. The decision to use Plaswood was taken by the founder of Glastonbury, Michael Eavis himself.

The Cadmus was constructed by Mark Cann and Loz Harris – two Cornish shipwrights more used to building luxury yachts. Plaswood planks were employed for the ship’s hull whilst Plaswood decking was utilised for its inner and outer play decks and for its steps.

In addition, as a significant amount of plastic waste had been collected for recycling at last year’s Glastonbury festival, he was keen to use a material that may well be employing some of that reprocessed material.

The Plaswood, which was used to construct the Cadmus, hasn’t cracked, faded or splintered, since it was installed; it’s totally inert and unlike wood, there is no dust created from working with it, making it safe for children to use.