The Rediscovery of The Osier Bed
According to archives and a copy of an old ordinance survey map, the land on the Combs Lane bank of the river was previously used to grow Osiers, a type of willow, for basket making. This fact is endorsed by the thriving basket making workshop known to have been in the nearby village of Onehouse. Both the workshop and the Osier bed were established by the Mullins family in the early 1880’s. It became a prolific business with willow being supplied to London. Every two months a London worker would drive a horse and cart on a four day round trip to collect the prized willow. After the cart was loaded the driver would overnight at the Shepherd and Dog before making the journey back.
At its peak, between the wars, the willow covered about 100 acres centred on Onehouse. Due to the decline in need however the workshop was closed in 1965. Since then the osier bed, which is now on the museum land, has been left in decline.
After seeing the old map the Estate Manager, Steve Howard, decided to reinstate a portion of the Osier bed. The true size of this task soon became clear, additional help was going to need to be enlisted. After a phone call and a visit, up stepped Simon Burnham-Slipper and his enthusiastic students from Otley Collage. Fleeces off, sleeves rolled up and work started. They spent a long day clearing the area to expose around 50 willow trees. These trees have all now been coppiced. The original dames and ditches will also be reinstated to ensure the recently cleared trees have enough water.
After coppicing, the newly cut willow was put to good use. Far too thick for basket making this year, some of the students under the watchful eye of Hannah, a regular volunteer from Otley College, created a willow dome with a seat inside. A large screen, and a large shelter that will be used in future by willow workers, were also made from the Whips. This style of structure is still a living form. The willow whips are planted in the ground and take root, they then continue to grow in the new designated shape.
The aim of the exercise was to not only expose a piece of history for visitors to the museum, but also to regenerate a source of material. This will hopefully be used in classes and demonstrations at the museum and maybe a source for local businesses.
The Osier bed can be found by following the yellow route along the River Rat.
Archie Gemmel – Estate Ranger
