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Join Kate and Allen Burrows from Westcountry Willows full-time makers of willow baskets and natural coffins, as well as dedicated teachers of these ancient crafts for a home visit to their living willow wonderland n Ballinlough Co. RoscommonThis event is designed to connect people with nature, traditional skills, and sustainable practices. By learning about willow — from its ecology and cultivation to its role in craft and innovation — participants will gain a deeper appreciation for how natural materials can shape the way we live. The experience is not only about acquiring practical knowledge, but also about building connections: with the land, with a living tradition, and with one another.
What to expect of this one day workshop?
-Walk among willow stands
-Gain an understanding of willow cultivation, ecology, and seasonal harvesting.
-Learn how willow grows, why it thrives in certain environments, and the important role it plays in biodiversity and land management.
-Explore willow’s role as a renewable, low-impact material
-Discover how willow has been used for centuries in everyday life and how it continues to serve as a sustainable alternative to many modern materials.
-See how its strength, flexibility, and renewability make it a key resource for the future.
- Take part in a weaving session:
Under guidance from expert tutors Kate & Alan Burrows, you will learn the basics of willow weaving and how to create your own platter to bring home. This hands-on activity offers a practical introduction to traditional craft techniques that are both functional and creative.
-Hear talks from the weavers on willow coffins and natural burials: Learn how willow is increasingly used in environmentally conscious end-of-life practices.
The talk will explore the making of willow coffins, their ecological benefits, and the growing movement towards natural burials.
-Take home willow cuttings:
Each participant will leave with a small selection of willow cuttings. These can be planted at home, allowing you to grow your own willow and continue your connection with this remarkable plant long after the event.
The Living Willow Journey highlights how shared skills and stories can link us across disciplines, generations, and borders. These ties remind us of our collective potential to design a future that is more sustainable, more resilient, and more thoughtfully connected to the natural world.
Course Fees - €55
To book your place please visit - https://www.celtnet.org/events/the-living-willow-journey
Coffee and tea included and bring your own lunch.
All CELTs training and educational events are made possible though the core funding of the Irish Environmental Network through the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
WestCountry Willows, Ballinlough, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon, Ireland, Castlebar, Ireland
Tickets
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