Sunday, April 26 • 1 PM – 3:15 PM
Get involved in the Derbyshire Makes Festival with the heritage craft of hazel basket making.
Join professional basketmaker Rachel Evans for an engaging afternoon session exploring the traditional craft of hazel basketry, set within the beautiful woodland surroundings of Aqueduct Cottage. Participants will have the opportunity to observe demonstrations of split‑wood basketmaking, handle examples of finished baskets, and learn about the techniques and heritage of this ancient craft.
Hazel basketry is a lesser‑known technique compared to willow work and is currently listed on the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts. Only a small number of makers continue this practice. Rachel began learning hazel basketmaking in 2020 and has since been awarded grants from Heritage Crafts to study historic basket forms—including the whisket and cockle basket—as well as support from the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers to complete a year‑long split‑wood basketry course in 2025.
The session will begin with a short walk to identify suitable hazel rods and discuss how to select, harvest, and prepare materials responsibly. You will gain an understanding of how seasonality and habitat affect the qualities of the wood.
Then, using hazel coppiced by Rachel and additional rods gathered onsite, participants will be taught traditional processing methods, including splint removal and dressing the wood with a knife to create weaving strips that you may take home.
Please note that this course takes place outdoors in a woodland environment. While there will be tarpaulin-covered areas for shelter, conditions may be cold or wet, so appropriate clothing is essential. Due to the natural terrain, the site may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.
Hazel basketry is a physically demanding craft—significantly more strenuous than willow work. Participants with existing hand, arm, or shoulder difficulties may find aspects of the session challenging.
What to Bring
- Warm clothing, coat, and hat
- Sturdy footwear such as walking boots
- Kneepads (if you have them)
- Work gloves
Age Requirement: Suitable for ages 16 and over.
