one-day course

living willow structures


venue: Martineau Gardens, Birmingham

Treat yourself to a one day course to gain the knowledge and skills you need to design and create a fantastic willow structure in your garden.
Willow planted in the winter can be woven and twisted into a wide variety of dens, tunnels, fedges and sculptures which will root and grow, providing a fun place for your children to play or a relaxing place for you to enjoy.
We will work (mostly outside, so come warmly dressed!) to create a den and tunnel together, covering the following topics:

  • choosing and preparing a suitable site
  • learning about willow in all it’s glory!
  • construction techniques including how to make the most impressive bindings ever.
  • what to do next, how to keep your structure looking good.

Willow will be available for sale at the end of the day, for those of you are inspired to make something at home.

The course is led by Carole Beavis of Wildworks Ltd. Carole has been growing and weaving willow for 9 years and has made many living and non-living willow structures in schools, country parks, nature reserves and in private gardens. She also makes greenwood furniture, using hazel, ash and other native timbers. Her websites wildworks.org.uk and carolebeavis.co.uk have galleries where you can view her work.

more on living willow structures


how to book:
 

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arrive:
 
for a 10am prompt start
depart:
 
after the course finishes at 5pm
directions:
 
click here for directions to Martineau Gardens
what to bring:
 
work clothes; pen and notebook; packed lunch
let us know:
 
if you have any special needs
price:
 
£60
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30 admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
lunch:
 
bring a packed lunch
discounts:
 
car sharing:
 
visit our car sharing forum to offer or request a lift
 

 

 

 

trying out the 4-way plait






looking skywards

 

 

 

 

a small tipi