Willow Weaving
Before Christmas, a fence along the Saltcot Loaning blew over, an unfortunate event... Or was it?
It gave us the exciting challenge of creating our very first willow screen. Willow is amazingly flexible due to its fast-growing nature causing a lack in cellular density, yet strong enough to allow it to be weaved around fence posts so it was the obvious choice for the reserve team to replace the old fence with.
volunteer cutting willow
Lead by our warden Annie (an expert in willow weaving since working at Welney previously – just see their screens!), the volunteers and rest of the reserve team have dedicated much time to cutting and weaving willow over the last couple of weeks. Upon starting the fence, we realised that a lot more willow would be required then we first thought and that thicker willow is preferred to produce a much stronger and neater looking fence. We are using the willow which grows on site is coppiced on rotation. Our screen isn't yet complete as we are waiting for the next lot of willow to be ready but we are excited to see it finished!
volunteers weaving willow through fence posts
nearly completed willow screen
Willow hasn't only been used for our screen, but also the archway and alcove in the wildlife garden. The uses for willow are endless and here at Caerlaverock we are hoping to undertake more projects showcasing it in the future, one being natural bird feeders– so keep a look out!
Words by Ed (Emily) Dixon
Pictures by Megan Grisewood-Foley