Why to choose Musgrove Willows for your first weaving course
29 September 2025
At Musgrove Willows, we’re passionate about preserving the traditional skill of willow weaving, and developing the emerging interest in creating willow sculptures and structures. With this in mind, we regularly host a range of willow weaving courses here on our Somerset farm.
Thinking of giving willow weaving a go? Read on to find out why to choose us for your first weaving course.
1. Expert tuition
In the beginning, members of the Musgrove family ran our weaving courses. As demand for our courses has grown over the years, we’ve employed specialist tutors to support us and expand the range of courses we offer.
All our courses are led by expert willow tutors with professional qualifications, plus years of skills and experience to share. From beginner basket weaving and willow sculptures, to advanced techniques (as your skills develop), we have courses to suit everyone:
2. High-quality, homegrown willow
On all our weaving courses, we use willow grown right here on our Somerset farm. The Musgrove family have been growing willow here since the 1920s, using tried and true traditional farming practices.
Today, we use a combination of modern and traditional methods to grow willow sustainably. Our willow is harvested every year and hand-sorted and graded. We use natural processes – including boiling, steaming, and willow stripping – to produce more than 60 different varieties of willow with a range of beautiful finishes.
3. Beginner-friendly classes
Our courses attract new weavers and are very beginner-friendly. If you’ve never tried weaving before, you’ll meet like-minded individuals who are trying it for the first time. Connecting with others over a shared love of craft is one of the many ways willow weaving courses like ours benefit your mental wellbeing.
Our class sizes are small (4-10 people, depending on the course), so you can be sure of plenty of space to work, and lots of assistance and guidance from your tutor. You can also book a private willow course for 6-10 people if you’d like to attend with your friends, family, or work colleagues – please just get in touch and let us know of your requirements.
After your class, you’ll be able to purchase willow and given class notes to help you continue your craft at home – discounts are also available for repeat customers/purchases. You can also check out our YouTube channel for free videos to progress your weaving.
4. A day out in a rural setting
Where better to learn how to weave willow than the very farm where it was grown?
Our picturesque farm, beautifully situated in the Somerset levels, is a lovely place to spend the day, working with willow whilst appreciating the surrounding landscape.
5. Dedicated large teaching space
Our willow courses are a great day out, away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. Courses take place in our light, airy classroom, which has a refreshment area and a lovely log burner to keep things cosy in winter. The classroom is wheelchair accessible and close to the car park and toilets.
We provide cold and hot drinks throughout the day, and a home-cooked lunch (suited to dietary requirements) for all course attendees.
Please explore our willow weaving courses to book your place today. We’re also adding new classes all the time – sign up to our newsletter on our contact page or join our WhatsApp community chat to find out about these as they become available.
If you have any questions about our courses or any of our willow products, please just get in touch with the Musgrove team – and check out our social pages for more news from down on the farm.
