The planting and restoration at Hunt Nature Park in Shalford is paying dividends, so much so that Trust chairman Sally Schupke now been able to add another string to her bow - willow weaving.
Sally has been able to harvest the willow grown in osier beds at the park and try her hand at the ancient craft of willow weaving.
The willow has been grown in osier beds at Hunt Nature Park, which provides a perfect environment for the plant as it thrives in marginal boggy lands such as canal banks. Traditionally, willow is coppiced for basket work, hurdles and fencing. After coppicing the willow regenerates with lots of shoots, providing slender stems which can be cut down again in a few years time to provide more raw material.
Sally said she was very proud of her first attempt at willow weaving - but probably won't be taking commissions just yet.
