The WonderTree  
  
 

willow cathedral
Willow Cathedral

You can support the project in a number of ways:

  • Buy willows from our nursery
  • Download fact sheets detailing some of the amazing things you can do with willows
  • Buy wood products from our online shop
  • You can also make a donation
  • You can sign up for our newsletter
  • Sponsor a tree

Taunton's Wondertree

The Wonder Tree is a proposed visitor attraction for Taunton celebrating the beauty, diversity and versatility of trees. The Wonder Tree project will provide an oasis of beauty and tranquillity whilst serving as a living teacher of plant life and conservation. The fundamental aim is to enable people to value trees for their ability to be used sustainably to create products and food.

Willows and apple trees which are working trees synonymous with the Somerset landscape will form an integral part of the tree planting scheme. The planting will be based on forest garden principles and techniques and unusual non native trees such as the Szechuan pepper tree and snowbell tree will sit side by side with hazel and ash.

The frequent harvest of trees will create a constantly changing fabric with ever changing views. The project will provide the first UK setting for the “Green Cathedral” construction techniques perfected by Swiss architect Marcel Kalberer. This monumental green structure will measure up to 50 m long and 15 m high. Local people will work to Kalberer’s design to create a truly inspirational centrepiece. Local willow artists such as Serena Delahay (who created the Willow Man on the M5 motorway) will be commissioned to provide other breathtaking features.

The potential site is in Taunton on a 65 acre green wedge of farmland north of the Somerset College of Art and Technology (SCAT). The project will work closely with SCAT and provide a breeding ground for creative thinking and contemporary design. Students will be given the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop their talents through this excellent shop window. Already the Wondertree logo and website have been produced by SCAT students. Future projects might involve fashion shows, performance arts and sustainable design and construction.

Find out how to grow
your own Willows.
To download the pdf Click Here
Click Here
to visit the
WonderTree Shop
101 things to do with willows.
To download the pdf Click Here

 

 

WILLOW FACTS: