Making a Willow Arch

Easy to do in school grounds with enough space, and fun to design for all sorts of activities

Find a male sallow tree (the male catkins are the ‘pussies’). Cut willow shoots in the spring before they come into leaf (make sure you have permission before you do this). Plant the sticks outside in a good garden soil in a moist shady place. They quickly develop roots and begin to grow. Some primary schools develop this activity further and make a living willow fence or grow a willow dome.