Based in Co. Wexford Island Willow was founded by Trish Killalea. Having learned her skills from other masters of the trade, Trish started growing and harvesting all of her own willow to make a variety of baskets and useful and beautiful pieces. She is one of the three weavers making our super popular willow bird feeders.

Sustainability: 

Willow is a fast-growing, sustainable material due to its carbon sequestration,  making it a carbon sink. 

When kept dry, willow vessels will last a lifetime, but are completely biodegradable when returned to the earth.

There is zero carbon footprint for the willow used by Island Willow, as the 20 different varieties are all grown on-site in Lady’s Island. The catkins that flower on willow in February and March are an early food source for bees. 

Trish harvests the willow entirely by hand, using secateurs and sorts the rods manually, depending on the colour, shape and size.