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1/24
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Fortnum & Mason Hampers
![Fortnum & Mason Hampers]()
2/24
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Willow Drying in the sunshine
![Willow Drying in the sunshine]()
3/24
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Willow Basket shop where you can buy our willow baseket, tools and willow for basket making and lots more willow related items.
![Willow Basket shop where you can buy our willow baseket, tools and willow for basket making and lots more willow related items.]()
4/24
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Mary making a basket
![Mary making a basket]()
5/24
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2 year old willow sticks drying
![2 year old willow sticks drying]()
6/24
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Our friendly team offer a warm welcome
![Our friendly team offer a warm welcome]()
7/24
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Purple Loosestrife on the Somerset Levels
![Purple Loosestrife on the Somerset Levels]()
8/24
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Willow rose knot
![Willow rose knot]()
9/24
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See how we process willow.
![See how we process willow.]()
10/24
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Lovely views over the Somerset Levels countryside
![Lovely views over the Somerset Levels countryside]()
11/24
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Emptying the willow boiler
![Emptying the willow boiler]()
12/24
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Willow shopping baskets
![Willow shopping baskets]()
13/24
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Watch the willow basket-makers at work
![Watch the willow basket-makers at work]()
14/24
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15/24
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16/24
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17/24
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18/24
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19/24
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20/24
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Getting ready to strip the boiled willow (photo by Simon Plant)
![Getting ready to strip the boiled willow (photo by Simon Plant)]()
21/24
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Winter willow harvest (photo by Simon Plant)
![Winter willow harvest (photo by Simon Plant)]()
22/24
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Wild flowers on Haymoor
![Wild flowers on Haymoor]()
23/24
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Willow Hurdle making (photo by Simon Plant)
![Willow Hurdle making (photo by Simon Plant)]()
24/24
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Stripping willow (photo by Simon Plant)
![Stripping willow (photo by Simon Plant)]()
Overview
Introducing the stunning collection of willow designs and willow products, all hand made in Somerset, England. The collection includes traditional wicker and contemporary willow baskets, garden structures, exclusive willow gift ideas and practical additions for your home.
Based in the Somerset Levels, the heart of the willow industry, PH Coate and Son has been growing 'Withies' and producing wicker baskets and willow products since 1819.
The Somerset Levels is the most important wetland area in the UK. This unique landscape provides the perfect conditions for willow growing. Basket making willow has been grown here for two centuries, and it is now the only area left where it is still cultivated for the production of baskets, furniture, garden items and high quality artists' charcoal.
The Centre is owned and run by the Coate family, who have been growing willow on the Somerset Levels since 1819. Visitors will find a warm welcome and are invited to learn about the history and art of willow growing and basketmaking.
Workshops available.
Reviews
This is my second visit. Was planning to spend half an hour here, but forgot how good it was. It was raining heavily on arrival and the kind lady in the shop said I could eat my picnic in the video room and the dvd ended up being unexpectedly really interesting. Grabbed a few of the free sticks of artists charcoal for friends and enjoyed the museum again which includes some film props and interesting historical uses for willow - willow beach pods could be the oddest?! Basket weaving material is reasonable in price so I bought a load, techniques and advice were offered by the very knowledgeable shop attendant and the willow living sculptures are nice too. Super place.
TaniaH
A revisit as we had enjoyed ourselves last time. Paid for the tour. We were the only ones, so it was a superb private tour! Very informative guide, showed us all the processes (after a short DVD), including the actual making (including a coffin). Saw the Fortnum & Mason hampers all stacked up ready for Christmas! One of the workers made us a lovely rose knot from a withy, which is what is tied to hold the bundles. A real treasure and a delight.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g190730-d265850-r431860273-The_Willows_Wetlands_Visitor_Centre-Taunton_Somerset_England.html#
DP
The Willows and Wetlands center at Stoke st Gregory is well worth a visit. Children love it to. There is a very nice coffee shop, serving excellent food.
SusieD
The Willows and Wetlands center at Stoke st Gregory is well worth a visit. Children love it to. There is a very nice coffee shop, serving excellent food.
RichardP
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