Westcountry
Willows
Crafted by hands, guided by heritage, grown by the land.
Kate and Alan Burrows are full-time makers of willow baskets and natural coffins, as well as dedicated teachers of these ancient crafts. What began as a spark when Kate first picked up basket weaving ten years ago has grown into a life’s passion—one that has taken us across borders and landscapes, learning age-old techniques and regional styles from master weavers around the world.
Since early 2023, our craft has deepened further with the making of natural willow coffins—an extension of our belief in working with the earth, not against it. Each piece we create is rooted in respect for nature, formed from willow we grow on our own land in County Roscommon, Ireland—land bordered by rushes, wild hedgerows, and wind-swept silence.
For us, basketry is more than a craft; it is a way of living rooted in sustainable Irish crafts. We host traditional basket weaving workshops across Ireland, sharing not only the technical skills but the stories passed down through generations. We invite you to join us in creating handmade baskets and eco-friendly willow coffins, each piece woven with intention and the enduring strength of natural materials.
As Viking reenactors, we breathe life into the old ways. Basketry—an art as ancient as the Viking longship—binds us to the past. In our willow weaving courses for beginners and masters alike, we reclaim a quiet wisdom that speaks of survival and beauty. Every twist of the willow carries forward the voices of our heritage. We invite you to join us in Roscommon or beyond: touch the willow, feel the grain of time, and rediscover the poetry of making with what the land so generously provides.
