
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