The commercial willow industry in Britain suffered catastrophically after the introduction of plastic alternatives in the 1950’s. However recently a strong recovery has been made as eco-conscious consumers flock back to this most traditional and green of sectors. Willow is made into many products, including wicker baskets, hampers, furniture, artists charcoal and even coffins. The heart of British willow production is the Somerset Levels, whose rich wetlands provide the perfect conditions for rapid growth. A Somerset ‘withie’, the wicker variant of willow can reach over 8 feet in height in a well watered season.
The art of willow production has not particularly changed for hundreds of years, save for some mechanisation in the harvest. In England the largest commercial producer is PH Coate & Son who have been using the same techniques since 1819.
At P.H. Coate new willow beds are planted in the spring using pieces of willow from the previous crop. The new bed is mature after three years and with careful management can last up to 30 years. The crop is harvested each winter time after the leaves have died and fallen. These leaves provide nutrients for the following years, eliminating the need for artificial fertilisers. Machines cut the willow and strip the bark. The withie rods are then dried, cut to the appropriate length and handmade into a plethora of wicker products.
No comments:
Post a Comment