Trug making step-by-step
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
'The Sussex Trug is made with materials that are specific to its locality, using wood from trees that have grown in the area for centuries'
