Make a willow ball

We have been making willow balls for years (actually Guy has) and they always prove popular, especially with gardeners who buy them to use as a focal point, perhaps to train plants through or even to hang from trees.

The day

Over the course of the day, you’ll make a ball of about 12-18 inches diameter, entirely from some of our finest willow, grown about half a mile away. There’s no wire, string or anything else involved. You’ll need a fair amount of persistence and a bit of strength in your hands!

We'll also spend a little time talking about willow - choosing, sorting and selecting - just in case you decide to do more in the future.

Guy will demonstrate the process step by step through the day using techniques of his own devising - it's very diffeerent from making a basket! He will help each participant as much as necessary, to create something wonderful to take home.

The venue

The course will take place in our beautiful working, hazel woodland, Bottoms' Corner. Most of our guests enjoy just being there all day and we usually find that people value being away from everyday things, almost as much as the process of making itself.

You will be free to explore and Guy and Jane are always very happy to talk about the wood and the coppicing they do there. They do find however, that most participants are far too focused to spend much time thinking about anything else.

There's a walk of about 300m, through the wood, up a slope and over cut grass, from the car park to the venue although we can provide a lift for anyone who needs it.

We use a variety of folding and rigid chairs, camping style hand wash and there's a 'tree bog' in the wood, which has received praise from previous participants for its privacy and great view. Water for your drinks is boiled over an open fire throughout the day.

What you'll need to bring

We will provide all materials and tools, a variety of teas, coffee, other soft drinks, fruit, biscuits and cakes. Please bring your own packed lunch.

Please bring secateurs if you have some (there will be spares available).

Please contact us if you are at all concerned about your physical ability to enjoy the day; we will do as much as we can to make it possible. The day does require a fair amount of bending and stretching, but help will be on hand. It is something that can be done whilst sitting on a chair, although some prefer to spend time sitting on the floor.

The tutor

The day will be led by Guy Lambourne of Wassledine, who started making willow balls after seeing pictures of some in a newspaper. It took quite a while to work out how to do it and it’s this method that he will pass on to you today.

Feedback from past participants…

“Took longer than I imagined” “Love the tranquil setting” “Delicious cakes” “Fabulous venue” “Informal and informative” “Great fun and we all achieved something” “I’ve eaten too much cake!” “Fantastic day, really enjoyable, thank you” “scary prospect but really fine with brilliant view!” [on the composting tree-bog toilet]