5 great reasons to try a willow weaving course
6 February 2026
We’re passionate at Musgrove Willows about preserving the traditional skill of willow weaving. We host a range of willow weaving courses right here on our Somerset farm, where our family has been growing willow for almost a hundred years.
If you’re thinking of trying your hand at willow weaving, there’s never been a better time to start. Whether you’re starting as a complete beginner or have had some previous weaving experience, there are plenty of reasons to book onto a course and give willow weaving a go.
1. Build confidence
In our tech-driven society, practical hands-on arts and crafts are an increasingly popular mindful, screen-free activity. Working patiently to weave a willow project and seeing it gradually come to fruition fosters creativity and builds confidence.
We structure our weaving courses to suit both beginners and seasoned weavers. Each course is led by an experienced tutor, who guides attendees through every step of the project.
Each course is also an opportunity to meet like-minded people and connect to a vibrant community passionate about heritage crafts and eco-friendly artistry.
2. Mental wellbeing
Willow weaving is also known to benefit your mental wellbeing. It is a sensory engaging activity, making full use of both physical and mental skills. As learners get into the rhythm of a weave, they become fully engaged with the task, allowing the mind to focus and disconnect from other thoughts.
The tactile, physically engaging nature of crafts such as willow weaving are what make these activities so beneficial to mental wellbeing. The satisfaction of patiently seeing a project through to completion is also very rewarding.
3. Connect with nature
Crafting with natural materials, such as the willow we grow here at Musgrove farm, is hugely enjoyable. Every willow rod is unique, and all willow projects – from intricate woven baskets to impressive willow sculptures – embody that natural individuality and beauty.
Our willow courses are held on our picturesque farm, set in the stunning Somerset levels. This rural setting is the perfect place to connect with nature and the natural materials willow course attendees work with.
4. Heritage craft
Willow weaving is a traditional craft that people have been doing for hundreds of years. Hurdle weaving, available in our range of garden courses, is one of many endangered crafts on the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts. This list highlights traditional crafts that are unlikely to survive to future generations without our help.
By learning to weave willow, you are not just learning a new skill – you are safeguarding the knowledge of a traditional art so that it can be enjoyed for years and years to come.
5. Explore different weaving experiences
There are many different avenues to explore with willow weaving – which is why we offer a wide range of courses:
All our courses provide hands-on guidance from expert weavers, helping participants to craft beautiful, functional pieces from our Somerset-grown willow using traditional techniques.
Try your hand at willow weaving by booking onto a Musgrove Willows weaving course today. If you have any questions about our courses or willow products, please just get in touch with the Musgrove team.
