Our Story

About Brampton Willows

We have been perfecting our craft for 40 years – blending traditional willow weaving techniques with contemporary design to create fences, furniture, products, and bespoke pieces that are beautiful, unique and built to last.

Based in the idyllic Suffolk countryside, we supply our signature continuous willow fencing to the East of England, and our products and bespoke commissions can be shipped worldwide.

We are widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest natural fencing companies, known for our exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to sustainable, timeless design.

brampton willows sustainable willow fencing around a suffolk cottage

Our History

Brampton Willows was founded in the mid 80’s by Robert Yates. Initially, Robert began growing willow at his family home in Brampton, Suffolk, as an experimental crop to supply a local basket maker. Before long, he began weaving willow himself and established Brampton Willows, specialising in handcrafted garden products. The company also gained recognition for creating cross-country obstacles for prestigious international horse trials, including Badminton and Burghley.

After nurturing and growing the business for 30 years, Robert sold Brampton Willows in 2019 to Louis Champain, owner of the award-winning Suffolk-based garden design and landscaping company, Champain Landscapes. Having collaborated with Brampton Willows on numerous garden projects, Louis developed a deep appreciation for the craft and the company. With the acquisition, he not only took on the business but also its experienced team of craftspeople, who have been instrumental in bringing his vision for growth and innovation to life.

https://www.staging-j.bramptonwillows.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/willow-harvesting-in-suffolk-2.jpg
https://www.staging-j.bramptonwillows.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/willow-bundles-leaning-against-tree.jpg

What Makes Us Different

At Brampton Willows, we take pride in the details that set our fencing & products apart.

Our fences are carefully constructed using small bands of willow, woven and compressed at regular intervals to create a refined, robust structure. This method uses up to twice as much willow as some other willow fences making it a more time-intensive process. Additionally, we reinforce the structure with steel posts approximately every metre which are woven into the fence and are not visible when complete. This results in a fence that is stronger and longer lasting than many alternative natural fencing solutions.

Our trademark decorative border, which can be seen at the top of our fences, is another feature that distinguishes our work. Not only does it provide a beautiful, clean finish, but it also acts as a protective ‘cap’ to shield the structure from the elements.

Our larger products and furniture pieces are woven around an integral steel frame ensuring consistency, durability, and a high-quality finish. Every item is finished with a maker’s tag, a small but meaningful detail that connects you to the craftsperson who created your piece.

Many of our larger items & furniture come with a guarantee* giving you confidence in the longevity of your purchase.

As willow is a natural material, it benefits from a little care and maintenance. For our local customers, we offer a treatment service to help keep your products looking their best for years to come. You can learn more about maintenance & aftercare here (link to maintenance section) or by contacting our office.

Every detail is considered and it’s this commitment to quality that makes our fences & products stand out from the crowd.

* Guarantees may vary and are not available on all products. Please refer to individual product descriptions for more details.

close up view of woven willow fence
https://www.staging-j.bramptonwillows.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/woven-willow-fence-in-garden-1.jpg
Willow harvesting in progress

Simple, Local and Sustainable

Willow is an incredible natural material that has been used for centuries and holds a special place in the UK’s cultural heritage. Not only is it beautiful and versatile, but also sustainable and renewable.

We are committed to minimising our environmental impact wherever possible, which is why we source all of our willow locally here in the UK. By sourcing locally and keeping our supply chain short, we significantly lower our carbon footprint whilst supporting the UK willow farming industry.

We partner with specialist local contractors for high quality fabrication and upholstery, carefully considering the materials and processes involved to ensure responsible manufacturing.

The environmental impact of our production is low, as every stage of the process from farming and harvesting to the final craftsmanship is largely carried out using traditional, unmechanised techniques and good old fashioned manual labour! Willow’s wonderful natural qualities mean it requires virtually no processing before use. Freshly cut ‘green’ willow can be woven immediately, while dry-stored willow simply needs soaking in water to make it pliable before use.

We set out to create a meaningful alternative to mass-produced goods – products rooted in tradition and crafted by hand rather than machine. Each piece is meticulously made in Suffolk using just a handful of natural materials, with every step of the process remaining authentically artisanal.

Choosing Brampton Willows means investing in beautiful, handcrafted products that celebrate heritage, support sustainable agriculture, and provide a natural alternative to synthetic materials. Built to last, our products are designed to be easily repaired, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.

willow bundles leaning against a tree
close up of willow with dew drops
close up of willow bundles after harvesting

Our Team

Brampton Willows is made up of a small, dedicated team of skilled craftspeople. As weaving experience is rare, most of our team have learned on the job, developing their skills over time through hands-on training. We value creativity, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn, which are qualities we look for when welcoming new members to the team.

Our friendly office team plays a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly, from supporting projects behind the scenes to managing customer enquiries.

Over the years, we’ve demonstrated just how versatile willow can be, and we’re always up for a creative challenge, so if you have an idea, we’d love to hear it.

If you’re interested in learning more about our craft or exploring a career with Brampton Willows, please send a cover letter and CV to our office and we’d be happy to chat with you.

info@bramptonwillows.co.uk

Louis, Brampton Willows Director
Director

Louis Champain

Alex, Brampton Willows Employee
Experienced Weaver

Alex Noble

Damien, Brampton Willows Employee
Weaver

Damian Woods

Cameron, Brampton Willows Employee
Production Manager

Cameron Meadows

Ashleigh, Brampton Willows Employee
Sales & Business Development Manager

Ashleigh Prime

Jordan, Brampton Willows Employee
Weaver

Jordan Knights

Lucy, Brampton Willows Employee
Group Finance & Strategy Manager

Lucy Pask

Tom, Brampton Willows Employee
Experienced Weaver

Tom Haddingham

Services

https://www.staging-j.bramptonwillows.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/rrrr.png

Furniture and Products

https://www.staging-j.bramptonwillows.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ttt.jpg

Fences

https://www.staging-j.bramptonwillows.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/hhh.png

Bespoke Work

https://www.staging-j.bramptonwillows.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ggg.png

Garden Products

https://www.staging-j.bramptonwillows.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fff.png

Sculpture

Sign up to receive updates, offers, and news from us.

* indicates required