Welcome to Willow Phoenix

Adam and Emma from Willow Phoenix have been using Wakelyns willow for several years now for some of their structural and living willow projects. In 2020 that included a commission for a 1/3 scale living willow sculpture by the beach in Harwich of The Mayflower and in 2022 a family of life sized elephants. We are delighted that that they ware now based at Wakelyns and running courses here. We’ve planted some special basket willow within our agroforestry so that, in future years, all of their course material can come from our own fields.

Adam and Emma say:

“We have been working together as Willow Phoenix since 2012 and have completed various commissions, events and community projects together.”

“We are both very excited to be working with Wakelyns to offer a series of seasonal willow basket projects for beginners to intermediate weavers.

We will be including willow grown at Wakelyns and offer the opportunity to learn more about the process of coppicing, its sustainability and how it fits in to the wider landscape of agroforestry.”

“Weaving is a  mindful, sustainable craft, good for people, nature, and the planet. It’s the perfect antidote to our fast-paced life The finished product is authentic and will last a lifetime. Weaving is an excellent way to connect to nature and is gentle, whole body exercise.”

“We are members of the Heritage Crafts Association and support its aims of promoting and teaching to keep the craft viable and accessible. We have also committed to learning to make baskets from the Endangered Crafts Red List, to help keep the craft alive and accessible to future generations.”

“We look forward to crafting with you in the beautiful setting of Wakelyns, where we will take you through the process of making your own baskets from the willow trees in the field, to your completed project.”

Some of Emma & Adam’s other work