Hazel Basketry: Reviving an Endangered Craft
Hazel basketry, a traditional craft deeply rooted in the cultural and natural heritage of the UK, is experiencing a renaissance through the efforts of dedicated makers. This traditional craft involves weaving baskets and other items using hazel rods, a resilient and flexible material harvested from native hazel trees. In recent years, hazel basketry has been classified as an endangered craft and was almost lost completely before its revitalisation by a number of determined and skilled craftspeople.
The revival of hazel basketry has been significantly supported by the efforts of skilled artisans and educators such as Lewis Goldwater, Clare Revera, Ruth Pybus, and David Brown. Goldwater has been instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional craft and contemporary ecological awareness, emphasising the sustainability of hazel basketry in his teaching and practice. Revera, a renowned Welsh basket maker, has worked tirelessly to document traditional techniques and adapt them to modern contexts, ensuring the craft's accessibility to new audiences. Pybus and Brown’s work has focussed on the link between basketry and traditional woodland management, emphasising the importance of sustainable coppicing practices to provide high-quality materials for basketry.
Lorna Singleton, at work in her studio.
The work of these makers has created a network of skills sharing and, most importantly, generated enthusiasm for this underutilised and beautifully sustainable technique.
The Heritage Crafts Association’s Red List of Endangered Crafts is a resource that identifies traditional crafts at risk of extinction in the UK. First published in 2017 and updated periodically, the list highlights crafts that face threats such as a lack of skilled practitioners, limited demand, and environmental challenges. Hazel basketry, practised for centuries, is among the crafts listed as critically endangered.
The inclusion of hazel basketry on the Red List underscores the urgent need for action to preserve this craft’s knowledge, techniques, and cultural significance. The challenge lies in training a new generation of basket makers and fostering an appreciation for the value of handmade, sustainable products.
Lorna Singleton is a coppice worker and basket maker whose work exemplifies the intersection of traditional skills and environmental stewardship. Based in the Lake District, Singleton specialises in crafting items from sustainably harvested oak and hazel, using techniques that have been handed down through generations. Her connection to the landscape and her passion for preserving this ancient craft has made her a leading figure in the field.
In recognition of her efforts, Singleton received support from the Endangered Craft Fund, an initiative managed by the Heritage Crafts Association to provide financial assistance to artisans working in at-risk crafts. The grant has enabled her to continue her practice, invest in the tools and materials she needs, and teach others the art of oak and hazel basketry. Through workshops and demonstrations, Singleton is passing on her skills to ensure that hazel basketry remains a living tradition.
The development of the “Wood, Water, Weave” course is a testament to her commitment to education and sustainability. This innovative program combines the practical aspects of basketmaking with a broader understanding of the ecosystems that support it. Participants learn how to craft beautiful and functional items, the importance of coppicing, biodiversity, and the role of hazel in maintaining healthy woodlands. The course fosters a deeper appreciation for the interdependence of traditional skills and environmental stewardship by connecting the craft to its broader context.
Hazel basket by Florence Hamer.
Florence Hamer is another remarkable advocate for oak, hazel, and willow basketry, and is known for her dedication to both the craft and the communities that benefit from it. Hamer has worked extensively to promote local materials and traditional techniques, ensuring the craft remains accessible to a wide audience.
“Working with hazel is something that immediately gripped me from the moment I learnt,” Hamer says. “Sitting with a knife and a rod of hazel and slowly turning into useable, weave-able material was magic. The way the hazel bends and gives in to the process is something that I loved, it’s as if it wants to work in this way. It is such a versatile material, which is often overlooked in woodworking and basketry, so it feels really important to me to try and share my love and passion for this wonderful material.”
Her workshops and community events are designed to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering an appreciation for basketry’s tactile and meditative nature. Hamer emphasises the importance of connecting with nature through the craft, encouraging participants to view hazel as a resource and a living part of the landscape.
Hazel Welsh wisket basket by Michelle Mateo.
Michelle Mateo brings a fresh perspective to ash and hazel basketry, blending traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities. Her work highlights the versatility and beauty of hazel as a material, showcasing its potential in modern contexts.
Mateo’s approach demonstrates that preserving an endangered craft does not mean being bound by the past. By experimenting with new forms and functions, she is expanding the possibilities of hazel basketry and attracting a broader audience to the craft. Her creations, from functional baskets to sculptural pieces, reflect a deep respect for traditional methods while embracing innovation.
Michelle Mateo, Dandelion and Rush Baskets
“I love working with hazel, as it grows so abundantly in the UK, and it’s such a joy to show people this traditional technique with resources that can be found on their doorsteps,” Mateo says. “There’s beauty in making objects with trees you see every day.”
The Endangered Craft Fund has been a lifeline for many artisans working in at-risk crafts, including hazel basketry. Managed by Heritage Crafts, the fund provides grants for training, equipment, and other resources needed to sustain traditional practices. For both Singleton and Mateo, the fund has enabled them to invest in their craft skills and embed these practices within their teaching and businesses.
The efforts of artisans like Lorna Singleton, Flo Hamer, and Michelle Mateo are crucial to the survival of hazel basketry in the UK. Through their work, they preserve a valuable cultural tradition, promote sustainable practices, and reconnect people with nature.
Florence Hamer, 86 Baskets Exhibition, 2024
The inclusion of hazel basketry on the Red List of Endangered Crafts reminds us of the fragility of traditional knowledge in the face of modern challenges. However, with the support of initiatives like the Endangered Craft Fund and the dedication of skilled practitioners, there is hope for the future.
As more people discover the beauty and significance of hazel basketry, the craft is gaining new life. From traditional baskets to contemporary designs, the versatility of hazel and the creativity of its makers ensure that this ancient craft remains relevant and vibrant.
The revival of hazel basketry offers a powerful example of how endangered crafts can be preserved for future generations by nurturing the next generation of basket makers and fostering a deeper connection to the natural world. It is a testament to the resilience of traditional skills and the enduring value of heritage crafts in a rapidly changing world.
Words by Mary Lewis
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Image Credits:
Lead image: Hazel Basket by Lorna Singleton
All other images as credited in photo captions.