Hi to all you budding Gardeners,

I would just love to tell you about Exmoor Willow,
Why Grow Exmoor Willow? There are many benefits off Growing Exmoor willow, it is a fantastic Bio Fuel. Great for living constructions, fences, weaving and hendge rows/ screens.

Renewable Energy- Willow is a fast growing source off Renewable energy. There are even schemes looking into using willow as a source off fuel for motor vehicles.

Burning Exmoor willow on your log burner at home, will create alot off heat, far faster than slower grown woods.


Exmoor Willow Cuttings Unrooted Exmoor willow cuttings should ideally be planted immediatly upon receiving them. If this is not possible, you should store them upright in approx 5cm off water. In a dark, cool, frost free room. If they are stored in the water for a period off time, roots will start to form. It is advisable to cut the section with roots off as they can become damaged easilly during planting. Having said that Exmoor willow is extreamly hardy, I have none cuttings which have been lying around for weeks root. Evan sticks pushed upside down, acting as markers have rooted.
Preparing the planting site An ideal soil would be a good moist one, which is why our Exmoor willow grows so well along side our brook. But will however grow pretty much anywhere. The willow will benefit from ome fertilliser or manure been dug over. If the soil has a tendency to dry out quickly, organic matter should be added.

Cuttings for living Willow structures and fencs should be planted about 28 - 30 cm apart, straight into the ground.

Exmoor willow specificaly intended to be harvested for weaving material should be planted approx 50 - 55 cm apart in blocks for thin straight rods. A double or triple row of planting will provide a much denser screen or wind break much faster

There are many different ideas on how willow is best planted for Bio fuel. Such as a 5 year roation system. The idea is you have 5 different plots off willow harvesting 1 plot each year. Our Exmoor Willow grows around our borders, it seems to work well for us.
Maintaining Exmoor willow Exmoor willow cuttings rquire weeding for the first year. They should also be well watered.

After the first years growth the willow should be cut during December/ February to ensure more dense growth the following year. Cutting each year will ensure good growth of good, straight rods.

Some grow willow for winter colour, stem colour is best on one year old growth. Stem colour varies depending on soil type.

The leaf litter from the willow provides their own fertiliser, so should ideally be left.

Willow cuttings will start to sprout new growth in March/April.
Living Exmoor willow structures Again, weeds should be controlled and the cuttings kept well-watered, especially int the first growing season. New growth will start to sprout in March/April. They can be then woven into the structure, as soon as the sprouts are long enough. This will give the structure strength and shape. Alternatively, the new stems can be trimmed at any time if the growth is enroaching over paths and other plants. However please remember that trimming, off course results in denser growth. To avoid this the ideal time to cut back is between December/ March. When the leaves have fallen. The fresh cuttings can then be used to develop the original structure, create a new one or use the material harvested for weaving or firewood.
Weaving Material Cuttings grown for weaving material require annual cutting to produce a good supply of long flexible rods. Weaving rods should be cut in the winter. But cannot be used straight away, they need to dry, season before use. As they are too pliable when "green" any close work will dry and be "gappy". Cut willow rods should be storred for a few weeks in a dry airy spot and will need to be soaked in a tank or bath for around a week before use.


I can not recomend growing Exmoor Willow enough, It saves us a fortune every year.

Its a great way off reducing your carbon footprint too!

I woulld be happy to aswer any questions anyone has. Check out my items if you are interested in having ago at growing some.