Our story
Our willow journey began during the dark lockdown days of 2020.
With the indefinite closure of our existing outdoor education centre in Southwold, Suffolk, a new direction was sought.
Through volunteering help with locals weavers and crafts people, Chris developed a new skillset and appreciation of the willow-weaving craft.
Planting our patch
With 10 different varieties of willow, our early pioneer plants grew like beanstalks in a wet corner of an arable field!
We now grow a combination of Salix Viminalis, Flanders Red, Cohu Blue, Continental Purple, Dicky Meadows and Golden willow.
Each year, each plant has tripled its productivity enabling us to grow the patch significantly over time.
Harvest season
During the winter months of December through to early March the willow is dormant and sheds it’s leaves. This is the time for harvesting.
We harvest by hand and prune each of our willow plants, ensuring they are healthy to reproduce the following year.
Our willow is bundled and stored indoors to dry for at least 6 months before being used in our fences.
Grading the willow
Naturally willow grows at different speeds and thickness. Having harvested our crop we sort and grade each rod by variety, length and thickness.
Thicker rods are more suitable for our ‘top weave’ - a robust finish which enhances the durability of our fences. Whilst the thinner, longer rods are ideal for the main fence build.
Soaking and preparing our willow
Before use all of our willow is soaked naturally on our farm for between 7 - 9 days depending on the variety and size.
We use a primitive, but effective system of wooden crosssbars, waders and wedges to ensure that all of the willow is underwater absorbing plenty of future flexibility!
Site visits pre-build
Prior to each project we begin, we are happy to visit your site to discuss the options for your fence.
We measure the proposed length, assess the terrain and consider the prep-work which may need to be completed before we start weaving.
This is a great opportunity to discuss how to customise your fence to ensure it is exactly as you want it!
Building our frames
We use a combination of steel poles and larch wooden batons to construct a solid and durable weaving frame for almost all of our fences.
We will discuss with you the foundation, finish and shape of your fence before we start constructing the frame, as this will provide our weaving platform.
Selecting your willow
Traditionally willow fences are woven with a versatile variety of willow called Black Maul, which we use for the majority of our fences.
In addition, we are able to offer a ‘mixed willow’ fence which combines Black Maul with our colourful home grown varieties which includes Flander Red, Continental Purple, Golden Willow and Cohu Blue.