WILLOW HARVEST

Our regular willow weavers spent several days in the second half of January giving the osier bed its annual trim, in the process generating numerous bundles to take home for future use. Last year’s drought led to less vigorous growth of the wands, but this pleased the weavers, as it meant that the stems were thinner and easier to work with. Suitable willow is everywhere in short supply, and some of the weavers are drawn from a fair distance. This couple came from Broadstairs, proudly wearing traditional willow cutters’ hats!