Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre

The centre is run and owned by the Coate family who have been growing willow on the Somerset Levels since 1819 and making baskets since 1904. During the Victorian era wicker furniture became popular as it was believed to be more sanitary, collecting less dust when compared to upholstery. Large numbers of people were employed, some as "outworkers" processing the willow in their own homes. The company has remained in the same family since. Several varieties of willow are grown on the 70 acre, the majority being Salix triandra The willow is then cut and processed to produce different colours. The willow is boiled and then the bark removed. Bark removal was originally carried out by hand but is…