The Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre is situated at Stoke St Gregory, on the Somerset Levels, north east of Taunton, England. Based on a working farm, growing and processing willow, the centre offers tours of over 80 acres (0.13sqmi) of withies, willow yards and basket workshops and explains the place of willow in the history of the Levels.
History
The centre is run and owned by the Coate family who have been growing willow on the Somerset Levels since 1819 and making baskets since 1904. During the Victorian erawicker furniture became popular as it was believed to be more sanitary, collecting less dust when compared to upholstery. Large numbers of people were employed, some as "outworkers" processing the willow in their own homes. The company has remained in the same family since.
Several varieties of willow are grown on the 70 acres (28ha), the majority being Salix triandra The willow is then cut and processed to produce different colours. The willow is boiled and then the bark removed. Bark removal was originally carried out by hand but is now mechanised.
A visitor center at a specific attraction or place of interest, such as a landmark, national park, national forest, or state park, providing information (such as trail maps, and about camp sites, staff contact, restrooms, etc.) and in-depth educational exhibits and artifact displays (for example, about natural or cultural history). Often a film or other media display is used. If the site has permit requirements or guided tours, the visitor center is often the place where these are coordinated.
A tourist information center, providing visitors to a location with information on the area's attractions, lodgings, maps, and other items relevant to tourism. Often, these centers are operated at the airport or other port of entry, by the local government or chamber of commerce. Often a visitor center is called simply an information center.
Experience the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre
An introduction into the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre. What there is on offer and the other fantastic small independent business on site.
published: 31 Dec 2019
Willows & Wetlands Craft Centre
published: 06 Aug 2019
Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre Sun 28th June
Somerset derives from Sumer Saeta meaning land of the summer people
published: 28 Jun 2009
Willows and Wetlands Centre - Day out with the kids!
We visit the Willows and Wetlands Centre in Stoke St Gregory, Somerset for a rainy day activity with the kids. They have a brilliant willow sculpture trail where you walk around the site hunting for 20 different willow sculptures. There are some independent shops and a tea room, plus a willow museum to visit.
It is a 15 minute drive from Tractors and Cream and kids love finding the sculptures and getting the prize at the end!
Connect with us on facebook or instagram @tractorsandcream
published: 23 Aug 2020
Welcome to Willows & Wetlands Centre, Somerset Levels
Enjoy a fascinating day at an English Willow Farm, learning about how artists charcoal and wicker baskets are made in the traditional way, not forgetting to take in the beauty of the Somerset Levels.
published: 23 Aug 2014
Willows and wetlands
Part 2
published: 01 Jun 2017
Shop Tour (October 2019)
A little tour of the latest items available at the shop. Based at the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre in Stoke Stoke Gregory, Nr Taunton, Somerset. www.hattysattic.co.uk
published: 30 Oct 2019
GAOMEI WETLAND VISITORS CENTRE
published: 16 Jun 2019
Willow rose knot movie.flv
This video shows Jonathan Coate of the Willows and Wetlands Centre showing how to make the traditional Somerset willow rose knot.
You can read about this and 101 things to do with willows at www.wondertree.co.uk.
published: 16 Dec 2009
Willow screen creation
A short time lapse video of the wonderful willow screens being created by Willow Artist, Jay Davey, located at the Community Wetlands viewing platform at Kingsbury Water Park
We visit the Willows and Wetlands Centre in Stoke St Gregory, Somerset for a rainy day activity with the kids. They have a brilliant willow sculpture trail wher...
We visit the Willows and Wetlands Centre in Stoke St Gregory, Somerset for a rainy day activity with the kids. They have a brilliant willow sculpture trail where you walk around the site hunting for 20 different willow sculptures. There are some independent shops and a tea room, plus a willow museum to visit.
It is a 15 minute drive from Tractors and Cream and kids love finding the sculptures and getting the prize at the end!
Connect with us on facebook or instagram @tractorsandcream
We visit the Willows and Wetlands Centre in Stoke St Gregory, Somerset for a rainy day activity with the kids. They have a brilliant willow sculpture trail where you walk around the site hunting for 20 different willow sculptures. There are some independent shops and a tea room, plus a willow museum to visit.
It is a 15 minute drive from Tractors and Cream and kids love finding the sculptures and getting the prize at the end!
Connect with us on facebook or instagram @tractorsandcream
Enjoy a fascinating day at an English Willow Farm, learning about how artists charcoal and wicker baskets are made in the traditional way, not forgetting to tak...
Enjoy a fascinating day at an English Willow Farm, learning about how artists charcoal and wicker baskets are made in the traditional way, not forgetting to take in the beauty of the Somerset Levels.
Enjoy a fascinating day at an English Willow Farm, learning about how artists charcoal and wicker baskets are made in the traditional way, not forgetting to take in the beauty of the Somerset Levels.
A little tour of the latest items available at the shop. Based at the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre in Stoke Stoke Gregory, Nr Taunton, Somerset. www.hatt...
A little tour of the latest items available at the shop. Based at the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre in Stoke Stoke Gregory, Nr Taunton, Somerset. www.hattysattic.co.uk
A little tour of the latest items available at the shop. Based at the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre in Stoke Stoke Gregory, Nr Taunton, Somerset. www.hattysattic.co.uk
This video shows Jonathan Coate of the Willows and Wetlands Centre showing how to make the traditional Somerset willow rose knot.
You can read about this and...
This video shows Jonathan Coate of the Willows and Wetlands Centre showing how to make the traditional Somerset willow rose knot.
You can read about this and 101 things to do with willows at www.wondertree.co.uk.
This video shows Jonathan Coate of the Willows and Wetlands Centre showing how to make the traditional Somerset willow rose knot.
You can read about this and 101 things to do with willows at www.wondertree.co.uk.
A short time lapse video of the wonderful willow screens being created by Willow Artist, Jay Davey, located at the Community Wetlands viewing platform at Kingsb...
A short time lapse video of the wonderful willow screens being created by Willow Artist, Jay Davey, located at the Community Wetlands viewing platform at Kingsbury Water Park
A short time lapse video of the wonderful willow screens being created by Willow Artist, Jay Davey, located at the Community Wetlands viewing platform at Kingsbury Water Park
We visit the Willows and Wetlands Centre in Stoke St Gregory, Somerset for a rainy day activity with the kids. They have a brilliant willow sculpture trail where you walk around the site hunting for 20 different willow sculptures. There are some independent shops and a tea room, plus a willow museum to visit.
It is a 15 minute drive from Tractors and Cream and kids love finding the sculptures and getting the prize at the end!
Connect with us on facebook or instagram @tractorsandcream
Enjoy a fascinating day at an English Willow Farm, learning about how artists charcoal and wicker baskets are made in the traditional way, not forgetting to take in the beauty of the Somerset Levels.
A little tour of the latest items available at the shop. Based at the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre in Stoke Stoke Gregory, Nr Taunton, Somerset. www.hattysattic.co.uk
This video shows Jonathan Coate of the Willows and Wetlands Centre showing how to make the traditional Somerset willow rose knot.
You can read about this and 101 things to do with willows at www.wondertree.co.uk.
A short time lapse video of the wonderful willow screens being created by Willow Artist, Jay Davey, located at the Community Wetlands viewing platform at Kingsbury Water Park
The Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre is situated at Stoke St Gregory, on the Somerset Levels, north east of Taunton, England. Based on a working farm, growing and processing willow, the centre offers tours of over 80 acres (0.13sqmi) of withies, willow yards and basket workshops and explains the place of willow in the history of the Levels.
History
The centre is run and owned by the Coate family who have been growing willow on the Somerset Levels since 1819 and making baskets since 1904. During the Victorian erawicker furniture became popular as it was believed to be more sanitary, collecting less dust when compared to upholstery. Large numbers of people were employed, some as "outworkers" processing the willow in their own homes. The company has remained in the same family since.
Several varieties of willow are grown on the 70 acres (28ha), the majority being Salix triandra The willow is then cut and processed to produce different colours. The willow is boiled and then the bark removed. Bark removal was originally carried out by hand but is now mechanised.