The late spring and summer of last year were exceptionally dry, and we had the impression that the willow had not grown well. We anticipated a lighter crop, and certainly there were no 8-footers, but in the end the harvest of shorter rods was substantial, even better than the previous year. Please scroll down for a list of what is now available.
A note about delivery: Blencogo Willow does not charge for packaging orders, but delivery charges are set by the courier on an individual basis. There are now just two national carriers who will take packages longer than 1.5 metres (that's 4ft bundles and above) from small businesses like ours. The cost of delivery has increased sharply over the last couple of years, and it is now usual for it to add around 50% to the cost of a typical order of two or three full bundles. A surcharge is made for delivery to a residential address, so if it is possible to arrange delivery to a registered business address (eg a workplace, shop, farm etc), then this saves on cost. Naturally this situation is far from desirable, but Blencogo Willow has unfortunately no choice other than to pass on these costs to customers. Of course if you are within travelling distance of us, or might consider visiting this beautiful area, then come and collect your willow - we'd be delighted to meet you, just phone or email beforehand!
Available from the author, £9.00 inc p&p - please make cheque or postal order payable to 'Robert Drake'.
The becks and gills of the English Lake District's Northern Fells are unknown territory. To follow them upstream is to voyage through a tapestry of interest and beauty and delight. The most obvious feature is the watercourse itself, and that simple element proves what a variety of effects it can achieve as water plays with the underlying geology and the surrounding vegetation.
Waterfalls and cascades pour themselves into pools of infinite variation. Like fingerprints, no two could be identical. They may be dark and mysterious with peaty water, or gleaming with a slew of golden gravel under the pellucid flow.
A Line on Stone - a well-received collection of poems on varied subjects, but where stone in its many forms predominates. Paperback 66pp ISBN 0951758101. £4.00 inc p&p.