About me

I am a Norfolk-based willow weaver keeping my family heritage alive

My name is Anna Berry and I am the third generation of my family to work with willow for a living.

I have been surrounded by willow work my whole life so it is natural that I have carried on the tradition.

My mother taught me living willow work, and her father taught her. I use willow grown in Suffolk, in the field originally planted by my grandfather many decades ago. My uncle uses this willow to weave baskets. He was also taught by my grandfather and now he teaches me willow weaving.

These are my willow roots.

Living willow?

What actually is it?

Living willow structures are exactly what they sound like.

Here is how I build them in a nutshell -

First I cut willow rods - the right number and the right length for what I need to build the structure.

Then I transport them to you. I plant them straight into the ground, then I bend and weave the rods to form the structure. The willow will grow roots and live on in the shape I have created.

In spring and summer the structures will grow leaves and new shoots. In the autumn and winter, after leaf fall, the bare bones of the structure will be revealed and you will be able to see how I have woven the rods together.

I believe the seasonal changes of living willow make it beautiful all year round, creating a dynamic feature in your outdoor space.

It is all natural - no plastic. If you don't like the look or the idea of conventional plastic garden structures then this is for you.

If you want your children to grow up with a fun natural play den then living willow is for you.

If you want your dream cottage garden then living willow is for you, too.

Living willow provides endless possibilities. Summer shade for your seating area - in your backyard, pub garden, school playing field etc. Living fences for your veg bed, allotment, front lawn, garden paths etc. Whatever you can think of, I can work with you to create.

FAQs

How long does it take to build a living willow garden structure?

- Depending on the size, it can take anything from a couple of hours to a couple of days to fully build a structure. On top of that, the time taken to harvest and process the willow rods should be taken into account. I factor both of these into my pricing.

- Structures require annual maintenance in the winter to ensure their longevity and health. I provide this service at my standard rate - it is a quicker job than the initial build as it requires no fresh rods to be harvested.

What are your prices?

- Generally, I charge £22 per hour - this includes time taken to harvest and process the rods for your structure.

Are living willow garden structures suitable for children?

- Yes, absolutely. It is hugely beneficial for kids to be around nature and willow garden structures can foster imaginative play - some of my fondest childhood memories were spent in my "castle" - a willow dome my mother built. The structures are as safe as any other tree to be around. In fact, my first client was a school who asked for a mini bower for their Key Stage 1 SEND students.

Will this work in my garden?

- Yes, so long as it is built in a sunnier spot away from pipes and drains as willow seeks water and its roots can damage pipes. I can help you choose the perfect spot for your garden structure where it will safely flourish.

What would a living willow structure add to my outdoor space?

- Living willow can be used as an alternative to conventional garden hardscaping such as pergolas, gazebos, and canopies. It will naturally provide shade in the summer and provide visual interest and structural integrity to your space all year round. Climbing plants can be trained up structures to add further interest. If you are looking for a more natural and vibrant alternative to regular garden structures then please get in touch.