Woodland Learning

Living Willow Structures

During the winter months when the trees are not in leaf willow sticks can be pushed into the earth and they will grow. They are extremely flexible and are available in a wide range of colours. This makes them suitable for weaving beautiful structures that will come into leaf in the spring and will grow.

Living willow structures are extremely popular in school grounds as they provide attractive, nearly instant and very cheap shade. The children love to play and hide in them. The structures can be made in a day or two by parents and older children with some guidance. This is a great fun community activity as everyone can be involved once the basic skills have been taught and progress happens quickly.

It must be remembered that the structures should be sited away from buildings and drains and that they thrive on lots of sunlight and moisture. Under a large old tree would not be an ideal place! If your willow structure does not live all is not lost as it will make a good framework for climbing plants for a few years.

The willow sticks, or rods, should be pushed into the ground at an angle. This way the new growth will cover the sides it grows up to the light. If the rods are tied together very tightly they will graft together. If a weed free base is maintained the willows will have less competition for moisture with the grass. If there is a good layer of woodchip in the structure the children will be able to use it all year round.

Living willow structures do require maintenance to keep them looking good. New growth needs to be woven in as soon as it becomes long enough to do so. When all the gaps are filled to your satisfaction the structure can be trimmed like a hedge. If this is done regularly it can be done with loppers. If you leave it you may need to use a chainsaw!

Woodland Learning can provide the guidance and practical help needed to make living willow structures. At a free advisory visit plans can be made and a suitable site chosen, the work costed and materials ordered. To work with others to make the structure a charge of £200.00 a day plus travel expenses is charged. Willow is purchased directly by the school from Roves Farm or Musgrove Willows.

Please contact Ruth Parsons by phone or e-mail to book a free advisory visit.

Willow Sculptures

Willow sculpture scare-crow Sculptures can be made from harvested willow at any time of year. These will not grow. Freshly cut or steamed or soaked willow, traditionally used for baskets can be bent and woven into wonderful shapes from traditional plant supports, rose arches and arbours to willow balls to abstract shapes and animals.

Woodland Learning willow 5 Woodland Learning can work with small groups of adults and children to design and make willow sculptures. I am also happy to run courses for small groups, I can find a venue or come to one of your choice. Examples include a willow rabbit and a willow hedgehog made by school children in Kidlington to willow scarecrow people made at Lethbridge school in Swindon to plant supports made by families at a 50th birthday party. I also have a willow arbour and a willow cat in my garden.

Woodland Learning willow 6 Please contact Ruth Parsons at Woodland Learning directly to chat through your ideas and make a date for a free planning visit. A charge of £200.00 a day is made plus travel expenses and materials.

For Living Willow Structures and Willow Plant Support courses please see Events Page. For a wider range of courses please look at Musgrove willows web site.