Every time I visit the Southern Lake District I make sure to make time to see Owen – it’s always an inspiration. Last time he was making Welsh frame baskets with willow, stacked up ready to use in his workshop.
Owen uses wood in many ways and has been sourcing his own wood for more than 25 years. Here’s what he does in his own words:
‘The oak for swills is only a proportion of the wood that is produced from the coppicing so using the rest is another quite large aspect of my business. I have a small firewood round, locally, and make charcoal in the wood during the summer to supply some local campsites and garages.
In the winter I gather and grade bundles of birch for besom brooms, cut hazel for bools and beanpoles, and in April when the sap starts to rise I start peeling oak. The oak bark is collected in the autumn by the country’s last oak bark tannery and the peeled oak poles go for rustic garden use.
The larger oaks I cleave to make gate hurdles and other cleft oak fencing. Working in the woods and enjoying their seasonal nature provides great satisfaction for me.’
Owen also teaches workshops and you can meet him at lots of shows. If you want to find out more look at his website.
Mary Sleigh 