The workshop was opened by Stihl area sales manager Martin Whitlock, a former student at the land-based college. Stihl donated chainsaw boots and protective clothing to students as well as training manuals and DVDs.

Whitlock said: "As an ex-student, it's nice to be in a position to do something beneficial for the college. This is an excellent facility."

Student Ceri Cockram, a tree surgeon from Gloucestershire taking the foundation degree in rural environmental management, said: "The additional facilities will give us the opportunity to try out more learning tools than before."