Trug Making

Harvest

Sweet chestnut is coppiced in winter

Cleave

Poles are split by hand with a froe and mallet

Season

Left to dry for stability

Shave

Chestnut strips are shaped using a drawknife

Steam & Bend

Steamed strips are bent round formers

Steamed Hoops

Rims and handles are matched

Frame Building

Handle and rim hoops are nailed together

Source Willow

Offcuts from cricket bats find new life

Saw

Willow boards are cut

Shave

Boards are shaved using a drawknife

Soaking

Softened in rainwater, boards are ready to bend

Prepare Feet

Individually shaped by hand

Middle Board

Firmly nailed

Outer Boards

Remaining boards eased into place.

Attach Feet

Adding balance and durability

Finishing

A light, strong Sussex Trug, built to last