CROW (Conserve Reading on Wednesdays)
Wednesday, 7th January 2015
Kings Meadow ~ Willow harvest

It is almost a tradition that CROW's first task of the year will be harvesting willow at Kings Meadow. For the last two years the task has been cancelled because the Meadow was flooded - in 2013 we arrived to find swans swimming around the willow beds - but fortunately there were no such problems this year.

For weaving the willow must be separated by variety as different varieties dry to different colours, then sorted by size - not everyone's favourite task.

As well as cutting the willow brambles and other weeds are removed from the beds, and any dead material and leaves cleared from the stools.

Final cut of the day - the distinctive stems of crack willow.

Thanks to all who helped with this task. The willow harvested will either be used for weaving or at the Oxford Road Community School where The Conservation Volunteers are to create willow structures as part of a school garden renovation project.

Created: Thursday, 8th January 2015
Photographs: Alan Stevens