After 16 years working as a gardener doing battle with the elements, I was looking for a change. I enjoy working with natural materials and fell in love with willow weaving, one of the oldest crafts in the world. I set up Rachel's Willow Designs to create beautiful handwoven baskets and sculptures. Each piece is unique with its own personality. My designs emphasise the natural colour and tactile nature of the willow. I take inspiration from the beautiful Perthshire hills and woodlands near my Abernethy home.

The sustainability of willow is key to my business. In the UK, willow growing is centred on the Somerset levels, with its low-lying flood plains providing the perfect growing conditions. Willow is incredibly fast growing, with over 10 feet of growth in a single year. Each plant is coppiced and harvested annually for 60 years, and it provides a habitat for wildlife as it grows, and stores carbon for the whole life of the basket or sculpture.