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SomersetWillow

Directory

SomersetWillow

Directory

A Levels and MoorsPartnership Publication

A Levels and MoorsPartnership Publication

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Willow growers combine the old traditions and newmachinery to take willow growing into the 21st century.Basketmakers continue to make traditional designs butalso contemporary structures, diversifying to meetmodern demands. An enormous range of Somersetwillow products are available to the consumer - traditional and contemporary - functional and artistic - for the garden and the home.

This Directory has been produced to encourage peopleto support Somerset's willow industry. It also highlightssome of the special history and anecdotes associatedwith this colourful and ancient way of life.

Those whoare listed inthe Directoryare eitherlocated withinthe Levelsand Moors,or locatedelsewhere inSomersetusingSomersetwillow from the Levels.

So whether you're looking for a shopping basket, astructure for your garden or a sculpture please rememberto buy Somerset made and grown for quality and to helpsafeguard the industry's future in the landscape of theLevels. And if you make willow craft yourself, well youneed look no further than Somerset for quality materials.

Richard Clark, Chairman of the Levels and Moors Partnership

At the heart of Somerset, lies a beautiful area called�The Levels and Moors", which has internationalstatus as one of the most important wetlands of itstype in the world. The wetlands of the SomersetLevels and Moors are 'willow country'.

Those whoknow and lovethe Levels andMoors agreethat it is bestdescribed as a'CulturalLandscape'.It is thisdescriptionthat bestencompassesits interestingrelationship with history, culture, traditions, farming andits wetland management.

The willow industry of the Somerset Levels and Moorscontributes towards the 'Cultural Landscape' that we seetoday as it too is steeped in history, culture andtraditions. The traditional willow industry has long been avalued part of the Somerset Levels and Moors - thegrowing of willow in 'withy beds' has been a familiar sighton the Levels and Moors for many years.

It is a unique industry and an important contributor to thelocal economy. In recent years, however, this Somersetindustry has felt the pinch from competition fromimported baskets. This competition threatens thetraditional Somerset basketmaking and willow industry. Italso threatens the future of a valued way of life andculture in Somerset. After all what would the Levels bewithout withy beds?

Willow Country - The Somerset Levels and Moors

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Willow PastWe know that willows were grown and woven inSomerset more than 5,000 years ago. They have beenfound woven into prehistoric wooden trackways in the Brue Valley and on the Levels andMoors of Somerset- the Sweet Track was constructedin 3806 BC. Salmon traps (putchers) and eel traps(kypes) made from willow go back to our Mesolithicancestors and were used until recently on rivers inSomerset.

The use ofwillow formaking basketscan be tracedback to two lateIron Age wovenfragments foundon the site of the GlastonburyLake Village,and also toRoman basket-work discoveredin a Romansalt-making siteon the RiverHuntspill.

The Romans prized willows more highly than corn,cultivating them for baskets, beehives, furniture andchariots. The Celts wove wattle huts, shields, baskets andcoracle boats from willow, and through the centuries therewere hundreds of different types of baskets, utensils, andcontainers made from willow in Somerset and throughoutthe country.

With the Industrial Revolution, more standardised basketswere needed for transport and deliveries, and Somerset,with its wet floodplain, was ideal for commercial planting of

willows. By the end of the 19th century there were around3,000 acres of willow beds in Somerset producing willowfor baskets and furniture, which became fashionable inVictorian times.

Somerset willows also went out to sea as lobster pots andup in the air as hot air balloon baskets and as wovenseats in early aeroplanes.

Willows were vital during the two World Wars. Around22,000 pigeons were in service in the 1914-18 war andwillows were woven into pigeon baskets, as well asbecoming shell baskets and observational balloonbaskets.

In the Second World War the making of domestic basketswas forbidden and training was speeded up as basket-makers were mobilised to make airborne panniers fordropping supplies to the troops. Many women in Somersetwere recruited as basketmakers for this important warwork.

Until the 1920's,Stoke St.Gregory pupilshad theirsummer holidayfor a month inMay so childrencould stripwithies in theWhiteningSeason.Willow-strippingby hand was women's work and most children had to help.

You can find out more about Somerset willow history atthe Basket Museum at the Willows and Wetlands VisitorCentre, Stoke St. Gregory.

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Willow PresentToday's contemporary willow growers and basketmakersadapt their repertoire to move with the times. There is agrowing interest in willow coffins, with people consideringthem to be a greener and more sustainable choice. Thegardening explosion has led to willow bower seats,wigwams, living willow structures and garden hurdles.

Artists use willow charcoal grown and produced inSomerset to create works of art, and willow has becomea recognised material for sculptors. The Willow Manalongside the M5 near Bridgwater, and the Leaping RoeDeer off the A303 on the Somerset/Devon border, havebecome Somerset landmarks and many public andprivate gardens are home to willow figures and animals.

Living willowsare now beingwoven intoriver banks forerosion control('spiling') andthere areexperiments ingrowing willowfor 'bio-mass'(green energy)so that oneday they mayreplace oil asfuel.

The demand for baskets declined as cardboardboxes and plastics arrived, but some traditionalwillow basketwork is irreplaceable, and new uses forwillow continue to be found.

The hot air balloonbasket is still wovenwith Somerset willow.Willow baskets allowair and gas to escape,preventing explosivegas gathering. Theyabsorb impact onlanding and no othermaterial has yet beenfound to replace it.

The last mud-horsefisherman on theSevern Estuary stillsteams and cools his shrimps in traditional willow "reaps"woven in Bridgwater, claiming that no modern materialdoes the job as well. Thatchers still sharpen split willowsticks for their 'spars'. Firemen still use a willow basket-work filter on the ends of their hoses when suctioningwater from rivers, since woven willow lasts longer thanany modern equivalent. The bearskins worn by theQueen's Guards are still made with a willow framework,as they were in the reign of George III.

The traditional shopping basket, crib and laundry basketare hardy favourites and many dog owners prefer awillow basket rather than plastic, for its more hygienicsmell. The traditional salmon "putcher" lives on, but usedupside down as a plant climber.

Did You Know?That 150 million plastic bags are used in the UnitedKingdom every week and that a plastic bag takes up to500 years to decay? Using a willow basket for yourshopping instead of plastic bags would help the environment.


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2. Chris Beck

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Contact: Chris BeckAddress: English Hurdle, Curload, Stoke St. Gregory,Nr. Taunton, Somerset, TA3 6JDPhone: 07730 327237Products: Basketware and willow furnitureWholesale: YesVisiting times: By arrangement, please phone firstFurther information: Traditional willow basketwork,indoor and outdoor furniture. Commissions welcome.

3. Rebecca Board

Contact: Rebecca BoardAddress: 4 SheppardsBarton, Frome, Somerset BA11 1ELPhone: 01373 453140Products: Basketware,education, workshopsAvailability: I usuallyhave a selection ofbaskets available forvisitors to choose from.Wholesale: NoVisiting times: I work from home so please ringbeforehand if you would like to come and visit.Directions: From Frome town centre walk upCatherine Hill and when you are almost at the top, turnleft up a flight of steps under an arch into SheppardsBarton. Alternatively turn off Christchurch Street Westinto South Parade. There is a car park where the farend of South Parade meets Sheppards Barton.Further information: I work in a variety of creativecrafts - basketmaking in willow, rush, hedgerow andgarden materials, also rag rugs, blankets and floristry.I enjoy using various different varieties of willow for myfunctional baskets, including Flanders Red and speciesof Purpurea which I grow and gather myself. I welcomeenquiries to teach basketmaking to groups. B, F

1. Eddie Barnard

Contact: Eddie BarnardAddress: 21 Nethermoor Road, Middlezoy, NrBridgwater, Somerset TA7 0PGPhone: 01823 698 536Products: Basketware and willow furnitureWholesale: YesVisiting times: By arrangement, please phone firstFurther information: Traditionally trained Somersetbasketmaker. Commissions welcome.

B, F

B, EListings

B BasketworkBT Basketmaking ToolsC CoraclesE EducationF Furniture

GS Garden StructuresRC RiverbankConservationS SculptureWG Willow grower

The entries are in alphabetical order.

The Basketmaker's LamentI can rand at your commandFitch and slew and border

Stake up, upset and wale alrightTo keep my stakes in order.

Explanation of Categories


6. Sophie Courtiour

Contact: SophieCourtiour Address: HollyCottage, WellsRoad, RodneyStoke, Cheddar,SomersetBS27 3UUPhone/fax:01749 870736Email: [email protected]: Sculpture, garden structures, hurdles,education, workshopsAvailability: All yearWholesale: NoVisiting times: Phone to arrange visitDirections: On A371, third house on left as you entervillage from WellsFurther information: I enjoy working on school andcommunity projects, facilitating the creation of art workwith others. Living and working in the rural environment, my work has an animal feel, whethersculptural landscape fencing or commissioned pieces.

S, GS, E

5. Coates Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre

Contact: Mrs Anne CoateAddress: Willows andWetlands Visitor Centre,Stoke St. Gregory,Taunton, Somerset TA36HYPhone: 01823 490249Fax: 01823 490814Email: [email protected]: www.coates-willowbasket.co.ukProducts: Willow grower,basketware, furniture, garden structures, hurdles,educational guided tours of workshopsAvailability: All year round Wholesale: YesOpening times: Mon-Sat 9am-5pmGuided tours: Mon-Fri (not Bank Holidays) 10am-midday and 2-4pm

Directions: 5 miles from M5 Junction 25, off A358-A378 and A361Access: Part-disabled access and toiletFurther information: An opportunity to see willow('withies') from the withy bed to the basket. Take apleasant walk through the withy beds adjacent to ourCentre. Free entry to 15 minute video of the industry,our basketware museum, and Levels and Moors andEnvironment Agency exhibitions. A full range of our willow products is available in the shop.Courtyard Tea Room serves tea, coffee and lightlunches.

WG, B, F, GS, E, BT

4. The Cane Workshop

Contact: John ExcellAddress: The Gospel Hall, Westport, Langport,Somerset TA10 0BHPhone/fax: 01460 281636Products: Basketmakers' toolsWholesale: YesVisiting times: Hours by chance or by appointmentDirections: On B3168 Ilminster to Curry Rivel road,200yds north of Old Barn Owl Inn, WestportFurther information: We supply a full range of basket-making tools. We also supply chair cane, rush,seagrass and other chair seating requirements. Sendstamped addressed envelope for price list.

BT

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7. Cross Moor Willows

Contact: Sarah AylingAddress: Havaria, OldCoach Road, Cross,Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2EQPhone/fax: 01934 732484Products: Willow grower,garden structures, hurdles, education, workshopsAvailability: All yearVisiting times: By arrangementFurther information: Living and green willow forsculptures, mazes and garden structures, availableDecember to April. Large range of ornamental varietiesgrown.

WG, GS, E 9. Serena de la Hey

Contact: Serena de la HeyAddress: The Willows,Curload, Stoke St.Gregory, Taunton,Somerset TA3 6JDPhone/fax:01823 698049E-mail: [email protected]: www.serenadelahey.comwww.willowman.comProducts: Sculpture,garden structures,education, workshopsAvailability: All year Wholesale: NoVisiting times: By appointment. Directions: Workshop based at English Hurdle,Curload, Stoke St. GregoryFurther information: de la Hey uses traditional andmodern materials to create innovative contemporarysculptures. Her work ranges from individual privatecommissions to landscape scale pieces, such as therecent Newquay Men and the M5 Willow Man, whichhas itself become an important symbol for the SouthWest.Alongside frequent TV and press work, Serena teachesand lectures widely by request and is happy to discusspotential commissions to any scale.

S, GS, E

8. Stan Derham

Contact: Stan DerhamAddress: Broomhay, Ham, Creech St. Michael,Taunton, TA3 5NZPhone: 01823 442325 (lunchtimes, evenings,weekends)Products: Willow growerAvailability: Buff and brown - all year, green - winteruntil springVisiting times: Visits to the willow yard at Knapp byappointment Further information: Long-established family business. Good quality willow - only Black Maul (Mole)

WG

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12. John Freitas Baskets

Contact: Janet FreitasAddress: 191 Taunton RoadBridgwater, Somerset TA6 6BQPhone/fax: 01278 452504E-mail: [email protected]: www.jfreitasbaskets.8M.comProducts: BasketwareWholesale: YesVisiting times: By arrangement

B

13. R.R. Hector

Contact: Reg HectorAddress: 18 Windmill Hill, North Curry, Taunton,Somerset TA3 6NAPhone: 01823 490236Products: Willow grower/sales of willowAvailability: All year roundVisiting times: By arrangementDirections: Junction 25 off the M5, take A358, at trafficlights turn left onto the A378 to Langport, first left - 2miles to cross roads, 1st on the leftFurther information: Family run business with 150years experience. Grower of willows for baskets andsculptures etc.

WG

10. English Hurdle

Contact: James HectorAddress:The Willows, Curload,Stoke St. Gregory,Taunton,Somerset TA3 6JDPhone: 01823 698418Fax: 01823 698859Email:[email protected]: www.hurdle.co.ukProducts: Willow grower, garden structures, hurdlesVisiting times: Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm,Saturday 9am - 1pmFurther information: Family owned business.Customers able to watch hurdles being made.

WG, GS

11. Exmoor Baskets and Hurdles

Contact: Paul TuckPostal Address:The Farmhouse,Poole Farm,Exebridge,Dulverton, SomersetTA22 9BQWorkshopAddress: Unit A14,The HighwaysDepot, Station Road, Dulverton, SomersetPhone: 01398 323391Fax: 01398 324473Products: Willow grower, basketwork, furniture, gardenstructures and hurdlesAvailability: all year round

Wholesale: YesMore information: Exmoor Baskets and Hurdles isowned and run by Paul Tuck. This small companyproduces both baskets and hurdles and associatedproducts. Using our own grown willow, or that fromlocal sources, we endeavour to make strong functionalitems to a high standard.Customers are welcome to call at the workshop. A traditional product at affordable prices.

WG, B, F, GS

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1. Eddie Barnard2. Chris Beck 3. Rebecca Board 4. The Cane Workshop 5. Coates Willows &Wetlands Visitor Centre 6. Sophie Courtiour7. Cross Moor Willows

8. Stan Derham9. Serena de la Hey 10. English Hurdle11. Exmoor Baskets &Hurdles12. John Freitas Baskets 13. R.R. Hector 14. Fiona Hingston

15. Chris Hoskin 16. Mike Hubbard 17. Stefan Jennings 18. E.M. & H.J. Lock 19. Kate Lynch20. Earle Male 21. Jo Mills 22. L.A. Musgrove & Son

23. Peter N. Nicholas 24. Gerald Pipe25. Ted Pitman26. Richard Roberts27. Somerset LevelsBasket and Craft Centre28. Somerset Willow Co.29. Willowbank

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KeyMain Willow Growing AreasLevels & Moors

Towns/Villages

Directory Entry

M5 Motorway

�A� Roads

Where to find Somerset Willow


15. Chris Hoskin

Contact: Chris HoskinAddress: 31 Green St,Hinton St. George,Somerset TA17 8SQPhone: 01460 72630Products: BasketwareAvailability: All yearWholesale: NoVisiting times: ByarrangementDirections: Last houseon right at end of GreenStreetAccess: Several stepsFurther information:Traditional householdand contemporary baskets and objects made fromSomerset willow, including rush and cane.

B

14. Fiona Hingston

Contact: Fiona HingstonAddress: Donkey Cottage, West Horrington, Wells,Somerset BA5 3EDPhone: 01749 673785Email: [email protected]: Sculpture, education, workshopsAvailability: Throughout the yearWholesale: NoVisiting times: By arrangementDirections: Please ask when phoning/writingFurther information: Experienced teacher of willowsculpture for children and adults

S, E 16. Mike Hubbard

Contact: Mike HubbardAddress: 1 Fowlers Plot,Chedzoy, Nr. Bridgwater,Somerset TA7 8RHPhone: 01278 450849Fax: 01278 450407Email: [email protected]: BasketwareAvailability: All year roundWholesale: YesVisiting times: By arrangementDirections: Phone for directions

B

Willow Talk - Traditional Sayings

"Go to the basket" - go to prison

"To bring to the basket" - reduce to poverty

"To pin the basket" - conclude the matter

"To leave in the basket" - leave in the lurch

"To put in the basket" - be rejected

"The pick of the basket" - best of the lot

" I have returned to my old trade of basketmaking"- to return to your old trade whatever it was,

basketmaking being recognised as one of themost ancient

1918


18. E.M. & H.J. Lock

Contact: Brian Lock or Brian WhiteAddress: Lockleaze, Thorney Road,Kingsbury Episcopi, Martock, Somerset TA12 6BQPhone/fax: 01935 823338Products: Willow growersAvailability: All yearWholesale: NoVisiting times: 8am - 5pm Monday - Friday, weekendsby arrangementDirections: On the Langport to Kingsbury EpiscopiroadFurther information: We are an established modernfamily willow growing business with over 100 years ofwillow growing experience. We mainly grow Black Maul, but grow other hybrids,also Flanders Red and a new Golden Willow. We sell natural green willow which is suitable for allgarden work, domes, tunnels, arbours, wigwams andall structures. This is available from Novemberonwards. We also supply living willow for structures that will rootand grow. White willow is available from May onwards.

WG17. Stefan Jennings

Contact: StefanJenningsAddress:7 Courtland Road,Wellington,Somerset TA21 8NDPhone: 01823664075 or 01823665342Products:Sculpture, furniture,education/work-shops, woodlandmanagementAvailability: All yearround (apart fromliving willow sculp-ture/structures whichare betweenNovember and endof March)Wholesale: No Visiting times: By arrangementDirections: Please ask when phoning/writingFurther information: I make large scale sculptures inwillow, wood, metal and stone. I work to commissionand enjoy involvement in community projects. Livingwillow structures are available in season. A stronginterest in the natural world informs my work.

S, F, GS, E

Did You Know?

Did you know "to handle the willow" is still a current

cricket expression meaning 'to bat' and that cricket bats

are traditionally made from willow?

Did You Know?

That a country dance which imitates the movement ofthe willows pulled to and fro in the willow stripping handbrake is known as 'Strip the Willow' and is still dancedin schools and barn dances today?

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20. Earle Male

Contact: Leslie MaleAddress: Brookside, Stembridge, Martock, SomersetTA12 6BPPhone: 01460 240402Products: Willow growerAvailability: All year roundWholesale: Yes Visiting times: By arrangementDirections: Near the Rusty Axe pub, ½ mile fromKingsbury EpiscopiFurther information: Third generation of willowgrowers with more than 100 years' family experience

WG

21. Jo Mills

Contact: Jo MillsAddress: c/oProspect Place, DarkLane, Seavington St.Mary, Ilminster, TA190QWPhone: 01460241886 (evenings)Products:BasketworkAvailability: Some colours available only in certainseasons Wholesale: NoVisiting times: Visits to workshop by arrangementDirections: Please ask when phoning/writingAccess: Fair; uneven floor and slight ramp to doorFurther information: Within a repertoire of traditionalforms and techniques, Jo produces individual basketsinspired by Somerset willow and hedgerow materials.Each is unique, showing off subtle, or striking, colourcombinations with a wide variety of weaves whichcombine to make baskets both pleasing the eye and ofrobust utility. Commissions welcomed.

B

19. Kate Lynch

Contact:Kate LynchAddress: FourChimneys, HighHam, Langport,Somerset,TA10 9BBPhone/fax: 01458250367Email: [email protected]:www.katelynch.co.ukProducts: Willowcharcoal drawingVisiting times:Phone to discusseducational projectsor to visit studioDirections: Phonefor directionsFurther information: Professional artist who also runsexpressive charcoal drawing workshops andeducational projects for children and adults usingwillow charcoal grown and produced on the SomersetLevels, sometimes in conjunction with a basketmakeror willow sculptor.

E

"Basketmaker", willow charcoal drawing by Tim Rawlings,

Otterhampton Primary School

Did You Know?That the Somerset Willow Company made a doubledecker balloon basket in 1987 to carry 50 people and itbroke the record for the greatest number of people to flyin a hot air balloon?

2322


23. Peter N. Nicholas (�Put it in a Basket�)

Contact: Peter N.NicholasAddress:Elmleigh, Stathe,Burrowbridge, NearBridgwater,Somerset TA7 OJNPhone: 01823698814 (after 6pmfor enquiries)Products: Basketware, furniture. Also demonstrations.Availability: All year roundWholesale: Yes Visiting times: By arrangementDirections: Please ask when phoning/writingFurther information: Baskets and willow furnituremade by hand from locally grown willows bytraditionally trained Somerset basketmaker. Individualcommissions and orders welcomed to suit individualneeds and specifications. Basketmaking demonstrations for public events etc.

B, F, E22. L.A. Musgrove & Son

Contact: Ellen MusgroveAddress:Willowfields,Lakewall, Westonzoyland,Bridgwater,Somerset TA7 OLPPhone: 01278691105Fax: 01278 699107Email:[email protected]:www.musgrovewillows.co.ukProducts: WillowgrowerAvailability: Buff and brown willow all yearround;green willow late winter to spring; white willowMay onwards; steamed willow to order. Varieties ofwillow grown: Black Maul, Whissender, Noir de Villaineand Bowles HybridVisiting times: Open Monday to Saturday, Sundays byappointmentDirections: Exit Junction 23 M5 South, A38 intoBridgwater, A372 towards Langport. Westonzoyland is3 miles out of Bridgwater. In village turn right at villageshop and butchers, then turn right off first bend. We are½ mile on left hand side on Lakewall.Further information: Third generation traditionalwillow growers. Good quality willows for collection ormail order. We welcome visitors.

WG

24. Gerald Pipe

Contact: Gerald PipeAddress: The Lime Kiln, Frog Lane, Langport, Somerset TA10 0NETel: 01458 253299 Products: Willow growerAvailability: Buff, brown and steamed willow all yearround; green willow seasonal; white willow from MayVisiting times: Open 7 days a week. Best to phone soorder is ready.Directions: Turn left after the river in Langport (goingtowards Taunton)Further information: Good quality Black Maul willow,buff, brown, green, white and steamed.Caledendron sticks available from end of Septemberonwards for all purposes.

WG

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28. The Somerset Willow Company

Contact:Darrell HillAddress:The WireworksEstate, BristolRoad, Bridgwater,Somerset TA6 4APPhone: 01278 424003 Fax: 01278 446415Email: [email protected]: www.somersetwillow.co.ukProducts: Basketware, furnitureAvailability: All year roundWholesale: Yes Opening times: Mon-Fri 8am-5pmIt is wise to ring before visitingDirections: Off M5 at Junction 23, follow signs forBridgwater, Wireworks Estate is on left just before youenter the town Access: Disabled accessFurther information: We make a large variety of tradi-tional and contemporary willow baskets and furnitureincluding: hot air balloon baskets, conservatory furni-ture, coffins, kitchen drawers, log baskets, picnicbaskets, pet baskets, fishing creels, laundry and linenbaskets, shopping baskets. We also make tocustomers own specifications.

B, F

25. Ted Pitman

Contact: Ted PitmanPhone: 01458 252723Products:Coracles, education.Further information:9ft long willow is cut, cleavedand shaved down to laththickness, the laths forming the frame of the coracle.The gunwale is formed by woven willow or hazel.Demonstrations of coracle-making and illustrated talksarranged.

C, E

26. Richard Roberts

Contact name: Richard RobertsAddress: Bussex Farm, Westonzoyland, Bridgwater,Somerset TA7 0EUPhone: 01278 691540 Fax: 01278 691371Email: [email protected]: Coloured bark willows, garden structuresand hurdles Availability: SeasonalWholesale: Yes Visiting Times: By arrangementDirections: Follow signs to the Battle of Sedgemoorbattle site Access: suitable for disabled.Further information: Coloured bark willows grown forartistic basketry and living sculptures.

WG, GS

27. Somerset Levels Basket and Craft Centre Ltd.

Contact: Steve LoveridgeAddress: Lyng Road, Burrowbridge,Near Bridgwater, Somerset TA7 0SGPhone/fax: 01823 698688Email: [email protected]: www.somersetlevels.co.ukProducts: Willow grower and sales, baskets, furniture

WG, B, F

Wholesale: No Visiting times: Open 9am - 5.30pm(closed Tues and Sun)Directions: On the A361 ¼ mile west of BurrowbridgeFurther information: At Somerset Levels Basket andCraft Centre we offer a good range of Somersetbasketware with bespoke baskets available to order.Live willow (in season) and non-living willow can bepurchased for your own projects. The company isowned by a family whose basketmaking and willowgrowing experience spans six generations.

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29. Willowbank

Contact: Julie GrantAddress: TheWillows, Curload,Stoke St. Gregory,Taunton, Somerset TA3 6JDPhone: 01823690113Fax: 01823 698859Email:[email protected]: www.willowbankservices.co.ukProducts: Riverbank conservationAvailability: November-April/MayVisiting times: By appointmentFurther information: Leading UK "green" erosioncompany using engineering techniques of willow spilingused many hundreds of years ago for controlling andrepairing erosion damage in rivers, lakes, streams andestuaries. This system provides benefits to theenvironment and surrounding wildlife and habitat. Wealso supply a riverbank maintenance and vegetationcontrol service.

RC Notes

Did You Know?

That the frame of a Queen's Guard's Bearskin hat is

constructed over a traditional Somerset willow frame?

They weigh around 11/2 pounds and are worn for

ceremonial duties to guard the royal residencies and the

Tower of London.


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Barrel sorting Cut willows are manually sorted into differentlengths using a barrel sunk in the ground and a measuringstickBed Field of planted willow about 16,000 plants to an acre. Abed lasts between 30-50 yearsBind Length of willow soaked and twisted to tie a bundleBoiler Tank of water for boiling willow for strippingBolt or bundle The circumference of the bottom of a bundleor bolt, used to be a standard 3'1" (94cms)Bond Willow bind to tie bundle, often with a traditional roseknotBrake V-shaped metal fork used to peel willow rods one at atime, traditionally by women and childrenBrown Willow Dried harvested willow sold with their bark onfor sculpture and hurdlesBuff Harvested willows boiled and stripped. The tannin in thebark stains the inner wood the traditional reddish 'buff' colourElephant Local name for mite which attacks willowsGreen Willow which is alive and used for living willow struc-tures and for river bank 'spiling'Hook Curved bladed tool for cutting willows by handRose Knot made from twisted bind of willow to tie bundlesSett Green willow cuttings about 8' long pushed into soil byhand to propagate new plantsSpiling Weaving 'green' willow into river banks for erosioncontrolSteamed willow Unstripped willow steamed in the boilers.The steaming releases the natural tannin which stains thebark blackStripping Stripping the willow of its outer bark, in hand-brakes or machinesWad Bundle tied in half for boilingWand Rod of willow cut from the stumpWhite willow Harvested willow stripped naturally in thespring to reveal the white inner wood, traditionally used forcribs and bread and laundry basketsWillow stripple Shredded bark stripped off the willows, oncespread as herbage on meadows, renowned for producingmonster marrowsWithy Somerset term for willow

Glossary of Willow Terms Index of Businesses

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1. Eddie Barnard2. Chris Beck 3. Rebecca Board 4. The Cane Workshop 5. Coates Willows andWetlands Visitor Centre 6. Sophie Courtiour7. Cross Moor Willows8. Stan Derham9. Serena de la Hey 10. English Hurdle11. Exmoor Baskets & Hurdles12. John Freitas Baskets 13. R.R. Hector 14. Fiona Hingston 15. Chris Hoskin 16. Mike Hubbard17. Stefan Jennings 18. E.M. & H.J. Lock 19. Kate Lynch20. Earle Male 21. Jo Mills 22. L.A. Musgrove & Son23. Peter N. Nicholas 24. Gerald Pipe25. Ted Pitman26. Richard Roberts27. Somerset LevelsBasket and Craft Centre28. Somerset Willow Company29. Willowbank

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Photo Credits:Page 2: Withy bundles, Kate Lynch

Withy field, Somerset TourismPage 3: Willow dolphin by Serena de la Hey, photo: Bill de la Hey

Willow baskets, Somerset Levels Basket & Craft CentrePage 4: Men on traditional willow chairs, Somerset Willow Company

Page 5: Willow eel traps, Pauline RookWomen stripping white willow, North Curry Historical Society

Page 6: Willow Man II by Serena de la Hey, photo: Bill de la HeyHot air balloon with willow basket, J.A & E Montgomery

Page 7: Willow sofa, Somerset Willow Company River spiling, Willowbank

Border on pages 8-15 & 18-31 Baskets by Jo Mills,photo: Pauline Rook

Page 31: Rose Knot, Kate LynchBack cover: Somerset Tourism

Compiled by The Levels and Moors Partnership.Front cover illustration by Kate Lynch.

Designed by Matt Day. Tel: 01460 78698www.mattdaydesign.co.uk

We hope that you have enjoyed reading and using this Directory. TheLevels and Moors Partnership would like to thank all those who have

contributed towards the content of this publication.

For a free copy of the 'Celebrating Somerset Willow - guide to SomersetWillow Past and Present' leaflet please call 01458 210790. This full

colour leaflet contains more information, photos and anecdotes relating towillow in Somerset.

Information in this directory has been provided by those listed andalthough every effort has been made to ensure that all the information isaccurate, the Levels and Moors Partnership cannot accept responsibility

for any claims made by entrants which turn out to be false.Every effort has been taken to invite all known individuals/

businesses to be included in this directory. If you wish to be included inany future editions of this guide or have any queries about this publica-

tion please contact the Levels and Moors Office on 01458 210790.

This Directory has been sponsored by the Somerset Levels and MoorsLEADER+ Programme, Sedgemoor District Council and the Levels and

Moors Partnership.


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