Hedgerow Basketry
Course

Gather & Make Your Own Basket From Hedgerow Materials.

LOCATION

Aberfeldy

PLACES

2025 DATES

PRICE

£129

BOOK

HERE

Natural willow weaving materials for basket weaving

Two baskets made from foraged wild weaving materials

Since prehistoric times, baskets have been made from many different materials. People living with the land would have taken advantage of whatever materials were to hand to make practical baskets. The roots, shoots and branches of many species being used; from broom whips to lime suckers, pine roots to hazel stems and of course willow.

Commercially grown willow is of course a fantastic material, but our fields, hedgerows and riversides are full of bountiful resources for the basket maker. What's more, these materials are free, locally abundant, and impart a uniqueness to a basket made from the most local materials to the maker.

This two day course (the days separated by 2 weeks, see below), will teach you how to identify suitable materials from the hedgerow, collect and store them and then weave your own basket with them.

This course is split over 2 days with the first day focussing on material identification and collection and the second on weaving your project. There are two weeks between the first and second day to allow the materials to 'season' and become a more superior weaving material. The schedule is;

Collection Day 1

We take a walk of approx 5km at a location very close to Aberfeldy and we;
- Learn how to identify common plant and tree species
- Learn which local species are good for basketry and which aren't.
- We collect your materials, and learn how store and process them.

* You will then take your materials home with the knowledge of how to store them and return with them 2 weeks later to learn how to weave your basket*

Weaving Day 2

Returning with your materials, you will then choose a project to learn how to weave;
- A frame foraging basket or
- A traditional round basket.

* All tools and additional materials required are provided but please bring a packed lunch with you for this day. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided*

FOR MORE INFO SEE BELOW...

Weaving Course Details

LOCATION

Aberfeldy

PLACES

2025 DATES

PRICE

£129

BOOK

HERE

Food and Drink - Tea, coffee, water and biscuits will be provided but PLEASE BRING A PACKED LUNCH WITH YOU.
Weather/conditions. Please less for typical February weather for the walk. Plenty of warm clothes, gloves hat etc and a full set of waterproofs. The weaving workshop is in a heated indoor space. Courses will not be cancelled due to bad weather.
Age requirements - 14+, 14 - 16 yrs old must be accompanied by and adult otherwise 18+.
Fitness/ability - You must be capable of walking 5km on flat and slightly undulating tracks. The the tracks are not suitable for wheelchairs unfortunately.
Payment - Payment in full before the workshop See our full Terms and Conditions.
Insurance - We have comprehensive liability insurance and risk assessments, but we recommend that you have a basic level of insurance which covers yourself and your possessions for adventurous activity - no outdoor activity is free from all risk.
First Aid/Medical - Your course leader will be trained to First Response Emergency Care level 4 (Ambulance ECA) and will carry a first aid kit with the group at all times. Please bring with you plenty of any required personal medication.
Toilets - There are no toilets on the walk so be prepared to make do if required! The indoor space has toilets.

What happens if I'm late for a course? Please keep us informed on your journey if you are going to be late.

Where do I park and is it safe? Parking for the walk can be in Aberfeldy town and the indoor venue has parking on site.

Do you allow dogs? I'm afraid not. In our experience dogs are very hard to manage around our kitchen and food so unfortunately we have a no dog policy.

Do most people come on their own? Yes they do, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and like-minded people. We also have many people that choose to come with a friend or family member who also wants to have an awesome time.

Do I need prior experience? Not at all. Some courses are aimed at a more advanced level but this is made clear in the course description. Most courses cater for all abilities including absolute beginners.

Are there any hazards or risks I should be aware of? There's no such thing as completely risk-free outdoor activities. Your course leader has 20 years of experience of bushcraft and running these types of courses so rest assured the risks have been carefully assessed and mitigated as best as is possible. You are in good hands and a full safety brief will be given for all activities.

What is your cancellation policy? Full terms and conditions are available here but basically;

You'll get a 100% refund if we cancel the course (almost never for weather, sometimes if there are not enough bookings but 8 weeks in advance of the course)
If you have to cancel then we will always try to refill the course place, and if we can we will refund you in full.
Full course fee is due 8 weeks before course
- If you cancel 4 - 8 weeks before the course you are liable for 50% of the course fee.
- If you cancel less than 4 weeks before the course then you are liable for 100% of the course fee
- This is due to the fact that courses involve a large amount of planning and expense in advance.
- Sometimes we can transfer you to another course if there is availability.

DAY 1

We meet at a location on the outskirts of Aberfeldy. The walk is flat and on good paths and approx 5km long. The session will last until about 2pm and finish back in Aberfeldy.
You will take your materials home with instructions of how to store them for the weaving session.
Please bring a lunch or snacks with you.

DAY 2

We meet at an indoor venue in Aberfeldy (TBC) at 9.30am and spend the day weaving your basket.
Workshop will finish at 4pm.
All additional materials and equipment needed will be provided but you must bring your weaving materials back with you!
Tea and coffee will be provided but please bring a packed lunch with you.