©wheatcroftwillow All rights reserved.

E: wheatcroftwillow@googlemail.com

T:07779 121031

Rachel can construct living willow structures from December until the end of March, either installing them herself or working with a group of children or adults.

Holes are made in the ground and green willow rods are pushed into the holes and woven together to make arbours, domes, screens, thrones, circles, tunnels or whatever takes your fancy!!

In spring the rods will take root in the soil, develop catkins and leaves and lots more willow shoots will grow from the original structure. These can be woven into the structure to make it even stronger or can be cut off and used to make other structures or used in craft projects in school.

The structures provide a shady, enclosed area for storytelling, play or an outdoor classroom. Wooden seats or benches using Staffordshire grown materials can be installed inside the area if appropriate.

In schools, pupils can be involved in the process from design, construction or even cutting and collecting the materials for adventurous schools with a minibus! Rachel will conduct a free site visit before the project to assess the site, measure up and advise on a suitable project. For advice on funding a living willow project give Rachel a call on 07779121031.

Ideas for structures

Storytelling circle/ outdoor classroom.

Willow fencing / screen.

Domes/ teepees.

Living storytelling thrones.

Spiral/maze.

Bowers/ arbours.

Woven chairs with wooden slab or log seats.

Large sculptural pieces.

Rachel has been working in the outdoors with schools and community groups for 15 years, is fully CRB checked, insured up to £5 million, writes a risk assessment for each activity and provides all tools and equipment.