Westcountry Willows
​Crafted by hands, guided by heritage, grown by the land.
Handcrafted Irish Basketry & Sustainable Willow Arts
Handcrafted Willow Baskets and Natural Coffins | Kate and Alan Burrows
Kate and Alan Burrows are professional basket makers and natural coffin craftspeople based in County Roscommon, Ireland. Specialising in traditional willow weaving techniques, they create handmade willow baskets and eco-friendly willow coffins using sustainable materials grown on their own land.
Our Journey in Traditional Basket Making
Our craft began over ten years ago when Kate first learned basket weaving. What started as an introduction to an ancient skill quickly became a lifelong dedication. We have since travelled internationally to study with master basket weavers, learning regional willow weaving styles and traditional basketry techniques passed down through generations.
Natural Willow Coffins: Sustainable End-of-Life Choices
Since early 2023, we have specialised in creating natural burial coffins made entirely from willow. These environmentally friendly coffins represent our commitment to sustainable practices and working harmoniously with nature. Each willow coffin is handwoven using traditional methods, offering families a biodegradable alternative for natural burials and green funerals.
Irish Willow Grown in Roscommon
Every basket and coffin we create uses willow cultivated on our land in County Roscommon, Ireland. Surrounded by native rushes and wild hedgerows, our growing site provides ideal conditions for producing high-quality basket willow. By growing our own materials, we ensure complete control over the sustainability and quality of every piece we make.
Basket Weaving Workshops and Willow Craft Education
We are passionate about preserving and teaching traditional basketry skills. Through our basket weaving classes and workshops, we share centuries-old techniques with students interested in learning willow craft, sustainable making, and traditional Irish crafts.
Learn Traditional Basketry: Workshops Across Ireland
Basketry represents more than skilled handwork—it embodies a sustainable way of life deeply connected to Irish craft traditions. Through our basket-weaving workshops held throughout Ireland, we teach both the practical techniques and the cultural stories that have been preserved across generations. Whether you're interested in creating functional handmade baskets or learning the art of willow coffin making, each piece is crafted with purpose using natural, biodegradable materials.
Viking Heritage and Ancient Weaving Traditions
As dedicated Viking reenactors, we connect modern basket making to its historical roots. Basketry has existed since Viking times, as essential to daily life as the iconic longship was to exploration. Our willow weaving courses welcome both beginners and experienced crafters, offering an opportunity to reconnect with ancestral skills that speak to both practicality and artistry.
In every strand of willow we weave, we honour the knowledge passed through countless generations. We welcome you to join us in County Roscommon or at workshops across Ireland. Experience the tactile connection to history as you work with willow, discover the timeless rhythm of traditional making, and learn to create beautiful, functional pieces from materials the Irish landscape provides.
