Making living willow structures
A two day hands-on course in designing and making living willow structures. The weekend starts with a tour of willow beds and structures made by previous enthusiatic students. Working together participants will help make two structures using the Universal Weave. By the end of the course participants will be able to design and make a wide range of structures including fedges, arches, domes, arbours, mazes etc. Suitable for complete beginners. There will be handouts to take home and willow material will be on sale for your own projects. See above for list of dates.

Dry willow garden structures
A two day practical course in designing and making dry willow structures for the garden. We will be using and adapting basketry techniques to make a range of garden products such as plant climbers, aromatherapy seats, decorative panels etc. Participants usually make 1 or 2 items to take home. ( a small charge will be made for materials used. ) Suitable for complete beginners. Dried willow will be available to buy for your own projects.
NO dates currently scheduled, please register your interest here

Venue
Ragmans lane farm is a 60 acre farm in the Forest of Dean, overlooking the River Wye. Course participants are housed in a bunkhouse which is airy, spacious & communal – and heated by willow in a state-of-the-art ceramic stove. There is also an increasing number of living willow sculptures on the farm made by previous enthusiastic students! It is 30 minutes drive from Hereford and Gloucester and 1 hour drive from Bristol. A local bus service travels from Gloucester to the nearest village where we can pick you up.

Cost
All courses cost £175 including accommodation and all meals.
A (non-returnable) deposit of £50 will secure a place.
Cheques payable to The Willow Bank or to pay by card call 01594 861782
Willowbank Courses booking form

Can`t make it to Ragmans Lane Farm? We will come to you and teach you and your friends how to make a living willow structure of your choice in the comfort of your own garden. Please contact us for details.

Tutors

Steve Pickup is one of the original pioneers of living willow craft and has spent over 12 years designing and installing Living Willow Structures for schools, public spaces and private clients in Britain and the USA. He has developed the Universal Weave, a simple but effective technique designed specifically for Living Willow Structures that can be used to make any type of structure whether it be a Fedge, dome or labyrinth.

Carine Van Gestel teaches crafts and landwork skills at a local Steiner school and on summer camps. She has always enjoyed being creative with her hands (they rarely stop!) and willow is her favourite medium.