Baskets are functional, beautiful, full of colour and add texture and warmth to any space. The willow I use for weaving baskets grows well here on the Isle of Skye, without any pesticides, fertiliser or watering required.

Each basket is unique and depends on the capabilities of the willow when I begin to weave. I can try and replicate similar baskets or have a plan in mind, but the environmental conditions when the rods are growing and drying can influence the willow and therefore the final product. I grow many varieties of willow, some doing better than others in this challenging environment with its acidic soils and salt laden winds.

There is no waste when these baskets are made. Any scraps of willow are used up as kindling, woven into smaller items, or composted here on the croft. These baskets will decompose fully at the end of their lives, returning to the earth. Some baskets can be repaired several times.

Occasionally other plants, or plant material, are woven into these baskets, for example driftwood, or cordage from grasses and flowers foraged from the croft. During winter I harvest the willow rods and it takes several months to dry before it can be used. I also buy willow from fellow growers, especially the 4 foot rods which I never have enough of. I will keep planting new willow beds each winter to increase my supply.

We manage the croft that we live on here for biodiversity with a mosaic of habitats for wildlife including areas of native trees, wildflowers, hedges and ponds. We also grow some food for ourselves, process our own firewood and have a small tree nursery selling native trees, hedging and fruit trees.