Willow at Westfield

Coppice, harvest, weave

We inherited two overgrown coppices of willow when we moved to the croft in 2015. We knew the willow needed to be coppiced (cut) to renew the growth and we did that initial work in the winter of 2017. So began the annual cycle of coppicing willow to store for use in willow weaving.

Frank makes beautiful and useful baskets and plant supports.

The willow coppices provide us with the raw materials for weaving as well as occasional tree hay and forage for pollinators.

Willow products

Willow is a hugely versatile plant, growing readily in the Scottish climate. We harvest willow for weaving (baskets, garden structures, wreaths) and also for tree hay and fresh forage for sheep. We sell baskets and plant supports at local markets and Frank teaches weaving workshops also.

Willow harvest

Willow is coppiced (cut) in winter, between leaf drop and leaf bu, typically in the months of January and February. The willow is cut by hand and sorted into type and length of rod. It is then stored in an airy barn to dry out, for use later in basket weaving.

Baskets

Willow is made into useful and beautiful baskets. The baskets range from small berry or egg baskets to large log baskets in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Plant supports

Obelisks, trellises and other plant supports can be made form willow and these are superb, all natural (no plastic or metal) structures for your garden.

Willow workshops

Frank teaches willow workshops at our Croft or at locations around Aberdeenshire and Moray. Workshops cover simple round baskets, baskets with handles and plant supports. Contact us for more information.

Learning through doing is the basis of all workshops.

A simple round basket is the first step in learning to make baskets. Clients are very happy with their first baskets!