The Old Willow Works

The Willow Works on Old Trent Road is the only surviving building of what was once one of the main cottage industries of Beckingham. Many villagers were employed both at the Willow Works and from home to help in the willow industry to create items such as baskets, fencing etc. An earlier building once stood alongside the River Trent by Dog Island and much of the land round about was dedicated to willow growing.

Over the last year The Old Willow Works has created great interest for its potential to the village of Beckingham. Through grants received from various bodies it has been possible to save the building from total collapse and help to create a multi-functional amenity. In just over a year the Willow Works has been re-roofed and re-pointed. New windows and doors have been installed and new vents in the roof in-keeping with the original style. In addition bat boxes and owl nests have been created in the loft area to encourage wildlife.

The next stage of the Willow Works is to create interior display areas for use by the community, stand-alone units available to rent, a designated area for the village History Group to operate from and a link to other activities within the area such as the Beckingham Marshes project and the Trent Vale initiative.

The following pages follow the Willow Works through from its rich history to the current day with details of the renovation work that has so far been carried out and the new tenants that moved in this year!