Here at The Truggery, every Sussex trug we make carries a story — a story rooted in local craft, tradition, and the beautiful woodlands that surround us. Our trugs aren’t just made in Sussex; they’re made of Sussex.
-The Importance of Local Wood
We’ve always believed that the best trugs begin with the best wood — and that means sourcing locally whenever possible. By choosing wood from local friends, we:
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Support sustainable woodland management in Sussex
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Reduce transport miles and our carbon footprint
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Ensure the highest quality timber for strong, beautiful trugs
Local wood simply feels right — it connects our craft to the landscape that inspired it.
- What Wood Do We Use?
Traditional Sussex trugs are crafted from two main types of wood:
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Sweet Chestnut for the handle and rim — strong, flexible, and naturally weather-resistant
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Willow for the body — lightweight and smooth, perfect for shaping
Coppicing in Sussex
We use Sweet Chestnut grown and coppiced right here in Sussex, from small, responsibly managed woodlands. This age-old practice of coppicing not only provides sustainable timber but also supports local wildlife and biodiversity.
*** If you know or you have a woodland with sweet chestnut ready to be coppiced please get in contact with us as we are ALWAYS looking for this wood!! Call us on 07778 926026 or email info@truggery.co.uk
- From Woodland to Workshop
Each piece of wood is carefully selected and chopped down. In the workshop, we shave, hand-steam and bend the chestnut, shaping it into the graceful curves that make a Sussex trug so distinctive.
By using local materials, we can guarantee each trug’s journey from woodland to workbench — ensuring that every piece is made with care, integrity, and respect for our environment.
- Why Local Matters
Choosing local wood isn’t just about sustainability — it’s about heritage. Sussex trugs have been made this way for centuries, and we’re proud to continue that tradition. Making trugs... the right way.
When you buy one of our trugs, you’re not just supporting a local maker — you’re supporting local woodland, local skills, and a way of life that values craftsmanship over mass production.
- A Tradition Rooted in Sussex
So next time you pick up your trug, take a moment to feel the smooth chestnut handle and think about where it came from — perhaps a sun-dappled copse just a few miles down the road.
Our trugs are a true piece of Sussex: made by hand, from the land.
