Willows and Wetlands visitor centre

Infobox Museum
name = Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre


established =1987
location =Stoke St Gregory,Somerset levels
map_type=Somerset
latitude= 51.0431
longitude= -2.9356
visitors =
director =
website = [http://www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk/visitor_centre.htm Centre web site] The Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre is situated at Stoke St Gregory, on the Somerset levels, north east of Taunton. The centre offers tours of over convert|80|acre|sqmi|2|abbr=on of withies, willow yards and basket workshops and explains the place of willow in the history of the Levels.

It features exhibits relating to Willow growing and processing and basket-making and includes a video room describing willow growing and basket making; a basket museum with displays of traditional and unusual willow artefacts; the Levels and Moors Exhibition describing the history of the local countryside and it's links with this traditional industry; and an environmental interpretation display highlighting the importance of water in shaping the Somerset Levels.

The centre is run and owned by the Coate family who have been growing willow on the Somerset Levels since 1819, and was opened by David Bellamy in 1987. Particular efforts have been made to ensure the museum is accessible to those with visual and mobility impairments. [cite web |url=http://www.workandpensions.gov.uk/employers/dda/case_studies/case-tourism-willows-wetlands.asp |title=The Willows and Wetlands centre – case study |accessdate=2007-11-15 |format= |work=Department for Work and Pensions ]

Guided tours are available but visitors are free to wander through the fields along the banks of the River Tone. Close to one of the paths is a wooden carved sculpture by Louise Baker celebrating the importance of the willow in the industry of the Levels

References

External links

* [http://www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk/visitor_centre.htm Centre web site]