Braythorne Baskets
Traditional basket making - an endangered heritage craft
Meet the maker
Fiona – the hands and creative mind behind Braythorne Baskets.
There’s something magical about working with willow whether it’s from the Somerset levels or the willow that’s grown on the farm in Yorkshire: its texture, its rhythm, even the smell of the willow itself – earthy, sweet, and grounding. It’s a material with a quiet life force. There’s something incredibly special about tending the crop through the seasons and then bringing it full circle into my handwoven pieces. It adds a deeper connection to the whole process. In 2024, I received a QEST Emerging Maker Grant, which supports my continued training as I complete a two-year City & Guilds Level 3 in basketry which I complete in July 2026.
Buying my work
Baskets, commissions and repairs
Growing willow
High Braythorne Farm Willow beds
In 2023 I planted the first willow beds in an area that we call Trott's wood. Named after the previous farmer whose family were here for 3 generations – The Trotters.
I have planted a wide variety of Salix/willow for colour and variety and am experimenting with coppice and pollard willow with the aim of becoming as self-sufficient as possible.
Willow is free from harmful pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals and attractive to insects. It is a crop that is harvested annually, and some varieties grow to over 10ft. The crop is quick to establish and in 3- 5 years the willow stools will be bountiful. My plan is to expand the area I plant each year using cuttings from existing willow and register with DEFRA to sell willow helping with the farm’s income diversification.
