I am a Manchester based willow weaver, and first learned how to make a basket in 1996, at the Green Wood Centre in the Ironbridge Gorge, whilst gaining experience working as a conservation volunteer, and intending to work as a countryside ranger. Little did I know…

From picking up my first withy, I was hooked, and was enthralled with this connection to humans down the ages, who have devised ways to weave useful and sometimes ceremonial objects from the materials they have to hand.

I generally use native materials including willow, bark and rushes to make woven structures, basketry and sculpture, and enjoy finding new ways of combining materials and techniques. Over the years I’ve found that I know much less than there is still to learn. This is what keeps me wanting to weave.

I teach, in schools and at my workshop at GRIT Studios in Stockport, undertake commissions of all sizes, and work with clients to deliver bespoke training and workshops.