It was the final session at the Ironbridge Community Willow Bed this week. The weather could have been kinder for us, but it didn't put us off from having a celebration event together to mark the end of the project.
Along with a shared lunch, and a willow trivia quiz, we made a basket together, using some of the willow we had harvested from the restored willow stools. It was a lovely way to mark the end of the project, and a good opportunity to reflect on how much we had achieved over the past few months.
Looking back through photos of the site from last year, its hardly recognisable. When I first encountered the site, it was a huge tangle of bramble and scrub growth, with an overgrown hedge, and overstood willow stools. And now, the site is open and light, with a newly laid hedge, restored willow stools, newly planted willow varieties, an entrance gate, living willow sculptures and paths. Its all down to the incredible hard work and skills of the staff and volunteer team at Severn Gorge Countryside Trust.
Whilst its the end of the Green Communities Grant funded project (with thanks to Bupa Foundation and Groundwork), its by no means the end of the Ironbridge Community Willow Bed. I'll continue to work with the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust to maintain the willow bed, and use it as an educational resource and demonstration site - so we can continue to raise awareness of the heritage of withy beds and basketry in the local area. And most excitingly of all, we'll return to the site each winter to carry out the annual willow harvest - which will provide us with a brilliant source of organically grown willow to use in local community projects.
If you'd like to get involved with the project, get in touch with Amber at SGCT on vco@severngorge.org.uk.
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