Press: Wilf’s Willows

(Image: Dan Oxtoby Photography)

"Many of the world’s greatest cricketers will soon be playing with bats made from willow grown at the Newburgh Priory Estate."

Great to see our co-founder Wilf Standeven receiving acknowledgement for his additional work growing willow trees for leading cricket bat manufacturer Gray-Nicholls.

Like growing any tree, you have to have long term vision. Willows normally take around 15 years to mature into big enough trunks to be used for cricket bats. Back when we were shifting towards tree farming at Newburgh, Wilf saw an opportunity around the pond and wetter areas of the farm:

'Some of the land at Newburgh is perfect for growing these special willows. They thrive in damp soil and will typically grow around bodies of water. Their extensive root systems and large capacity for water retention mean that they can help manage floodplains by stabilising surrounding soils and preserving nutrient rich topsoil' says Wilf.

The planting of cuttings and subsequent felling of willow is a highly sustainable practice, especially as they capture and store carbon. This benefits the environment, landowners, and cricket bat manufactures alike.

There are currently 1,500 cricket bat willows growing on the estate and they now form part of a steady supply stream to Gray-Nicolls. Going forward, the willows, each of which can provide 35 bats, will be transformed into bats for the very best male and female cricketers in the world. That’s quite a thought.

Read more:

York Press Cricket bats for Gray-Nicolls made from Newburgh Priory willow

B Daily Yorkshire willow hits the sweet spot

The Northern Echo Yorkshire's Gray-Nicolls bats used by sporting superstars