All About Willow

Learn everything you need to know about willow in this day long conference with Shropshire-based willow artist and basketmaker, Daisy Askins. 

Aimed at outdoor educators, creative practitioners, forest school leaders, teachers and more, this conference is designed to equip you with the knowledge, practical skills and experience needed to use willow in your work with adults and children. The conference will be a blend of practical sessions, demonstrations, case studies and discussion groups, and will cover the following:

• Introduction to the benefits of willow for wildlife, wellbeing and community
• Willow as a material and how to source, grow, select and prepare your own
• Living willow structures - how to design, make and maintain them
• Simple willow weaving projects for children and adults
• Tools, resources and health and safety considerations

Why willow?

Willow is a hugely versatile and naturally sustainable material, that can be used in all kinds of projects – from creative sculptural figures, to structural arches and play domes, to simple functional willow projects. Its a forgiving and tactile material for adults and children to work with, and has been used for decades in occupational therapy because of the therapeutic benefits of the craft.

About me

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I have over five years' experience delivering nature, craft and wellbeing projects and courses for adults and children on behalf of charitable organisations across the Midlands. I managed the education, care farming and heritage craft programme at the Wyre Community Land Trust for three years and before that ran my own nature connection social enterprise in Worcestershire for several years. I have training in landscape architecture, social forestry, mental health first aid, outdoor first aid, safeguarding, and basketry. I now work as a self-employed willow artist and basketmaker delivering community-based projects and sculpture commissions. 

I've designed this conference based on what I wish I could have been taught when I started on my willow journey over five years ago. I've picked up my knowledge through my own research, trial and error, and through the kind support and guidance of colleagues and other professionals. I hope this conference will offer everything you need in one place, and give you the confidence, skills and knowledge to start using willow in your own work. 

About the venue

The conference will take place in the Woodland Hall at the Green Wood Centre in Coalbrookdale, in the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge. It is the headquarters of the Small Woods Association, and is an inspiring hub of woodland management, heritage craft and social forestry. 

Details

• No previous skill or experience in willow weaving is necessary. 
• Refreshments and a light vegetarian lunch will be provided. Please let me know if you have any special dietary requirements. 
• All tools and materials are included.
• Further joining instructions will be sent 1-2 weeks before the course. 
• Please see my Terms & Conditions for my cancellation and refund policy.