Willow is as traditional to Somerset as cheese and cider, although perhaps not so much is known about it these days. Here in the tranquil, rural village of Stoke St Gregory, in the heart of the Somerset Levels, the Coate family has been working with willow since 1819. Come and find out how willow is grown, harvested and processed before it is crafted into beautifully practical baskets. Watch the skilled basket-makers create a willow basket before your eyes. Willow has been grown on the Somerset Levels for centuries and the villages of Stoke St Gregory, North Curry and Burrowbridge were once teaming with withy beds, withy workers and growers and basket-makers. Times have changed and now there are very few signs of this once thriving industry. Several varieties of willow are grown on the 70 acres of the site, the majority being Salix triandra The willow is then cut and processed to produce different colours. The willow is boiled and then the bark removed. Bark removal was originally carried out by hand but is now mechanised. In addition to willow for basket making, the company also uses it to make Charcoal.
Production of Artists' Charcoal. Once the crop is harvested it undergoes various processes in preparation for turning into charcoal. This includes boiling the rods for ten hours to soften the bark so it can be removed by special machines. The processed rods are then cut into regular length pieces that will soon become the familiar charcoal sticks. The cut pieces of willow are graded according to diameter and packed tightly into cooking tins. As the full length rods are tapered along their length, the pieces from the top of the rod become thin charcoal and the pieces at the bottom of the rod become the thick charcoal, with the pieces in the middle becoming medium charcoal. Once the tins are packed they are made air-tight and then cooked in custom made kilns for 10 hours. This cooking process is finely controlled at all times, failure to keep control will result either in a fire or uncooked willow sticks, which are suitable for drawing with. A small proportion of the willow crop is left to grow for two or even three years, these rods are turned into the very large tree sticks.
The centre features exhibits relating to Willow growing and processing and basket-making and includes a video room describing willow growing and basket making; a basket museum with displays of traditional and unusual willow artefacts; the Levels and Moors Exhibition describing the history of the local countryside and its links with this traditional industry; and an environmental interpretation display highlighting the importance of water in shaping the Somerset Levels. Sparrow traps and bee hives sit alongside theatre baskets and baby weighing scales are among the exhibits in the museum. Guided tours are available which demonstrate the stages in the processing of the willow and the creation of wicker work, but visitors are free to wander through the fields along the banks of the River Tone. Close to one of the paths is a wooden carved sculpture by Louise Baker celebrating the importance of the willow in the industry of the Levels. Particular efforts have been made to ensure the museum is accessible to those with visual and mobility impairments.
Location : Coates English Willow, Stoke St Gregory, Nr Taunton, Somerset TA3 6HY
Transport: Taunton (National Rail) then bus. Bus Routes : 51 stops close by.
Opening Times : Monday to Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
Tickets : Free. Guided Tours - Adults £4.50; Children (5 - 14) £3.00
Tel: 01823 490249
