Ever since the sea retreated more than six thousand years ago there have been willows on the Somerset Levels where English Hurdle is situated. Wicker (withy) fragments unearthed near Glastonbury have been dated at around 3,500 BC and are on view in the local museum in Taunton.
The Levels are almost a secret jewel in the crown of English nature, neither entirely land nor water. This boggy expanse patterned with rivers and rhynes is an enchanted and eerie landscape. The moors are below sea level and still shrouded in the mystery of Merlin and King Arthur.
The bright green withy (willow) beds lie in a Site of Special Scientific Interest and grow out of the rich, peaty ground without the need for artificial fertilizers.
Images by permission Celebrating Somerset
Also on the Somerset Levels is John Leach's Muchelney pottery for handthrown and wood-fired pots.
Just up the hill from us you can find the finest smoked eel and salmon at Brown & Forest you may wish to vist them at their award winning restaurant and sample some of their food.
See our sister company Willowbank Environmental & Erosion Control Services for further information on conservation and restoration.
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