ABOUT COPPICE DESIGNS

Steeped in woodlore, skilled underwoodsman Andrew Basham has over 30 years experience in traditional greenwood crafts.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Andy Basham and I first got interested in coppice crafts and woodmanship through conservation work, mainly coppicing ancient woodlands. I was running a cane furniture workshop and material supply business at the time. Soon I realised I wanted to 'convert' to using local materials and traditional tools / practices. English woodland, particularly the uses for the underwood or coppice, became my passion.

After selling my cane furniture business in London and moving to Norfolk, I took up hurdle making in willow osier, also rustic furniture, even making plantable live willow chairs and benches. I displayed and demonstrated my wares at craft fairs and built up a whole range of items to sell, including rakes, besoms and walking sticks.

Seems to me very right that the best quality, or perhaps the most individual or unusual sticks occurring in nature, should be ear marked for walking sticks, after all they will be always close to hand even if not used every day. Its a strong link twixt ourselves and mother nature.

What

Andrew offers a range of greenwood products & services from the hazel woodland he helps manage. Utilising coppice wood and his palette of traditional skills he can weave a bespoke in-situ hazel hurdle; runs hazel chair making courses; and has a vast array of handmade hazel products - from pea sticks to faggots, from thatching spars to rake tines.

See greenwood products from Coppice Designs for full list of creations >>

Ethics

I don't travel far for my raw materials, most is only a short bike ride away. This cuts down on 'wood miles' reducing our carbon footprint and supports the local economy. For these reasons I don't encourage people to travel long distances for my products or material. Carriage can be arranged for finished products and raw materials. Be warned this can be expensive as most of what I deal in is bulky and/or heavy.

Where

An old hand at woodland management Andrew is now based near Saffron Walden, North Essex. He demonstrates and displays his craft at country fairs mainly in East Anglia. See our events programme. You are welcome to view his products, contained in his 'show shed', next to his workshop at the new courses venue, Bridge Meadows, Springhill, Widdington, CB11 3SU, strictly by appointment. >>

< Jacob Lambert models a "living willow chair". Want to make your own chair? See our courses page.

Work Experience and Apprentceships

Jacob Lambert (pictured left) got in touch and after a period of work experience became a successful apprentice. Get in touch with Andy to discuss the possibilities.

Hales Wood, NNR/SSI

I lead volunteer work parties at the reserve. We warmly welcome new volunteers. Coppicing is probably the best example of permaculture beneficial to man and beast (and plants!). The intricacies and diversity is mind blowing, please get involved if its not too far to come. Bring all your mates - in one car to make the journey count! Email me directly to be put on our specific Hales wood vols newsletter/mailing list for dates and other news. Become a part of the solution to climate change, instantly improve your carbon footprint, learn how, come along. While you need to be reasonably able/fit, no experience is necessary.