Twenty five willow trees have been planted in Wickford’s Radwinter Avenue which will one day be made into cricket bats.
There will be 25 willows planted on rotation every year for the next 12 years. The Salix alba Caerulea is a native tree that is common on the coast and is world famous as being the best willow for making cricket bats.
Chairman of Basildon Council’s Neighbourhood’s and Public Spaces Committee Councillor David Harrison said: “This is wonderful news for Wickford as it not only means the area will be greener but we’re able to generate some income from the sale of the willow whilst maintaining the look of the area thanks to the 12 year system of rotation.
“Who knows maybe the next Ben Stokes will wield a bat made of Wickford willow one day.”
Salix alba Caerulea tend to form an upright, conical crown and bears its narrow leaves on the long, whip-like stems that are typical of willow trees. In autumn, the leaves turn a slightly sooty but still rich yellow.
Cricket Bat Willows produce small yellow and green catkins just after the young leaves appear in spring and these have some ornamental value on the tree, although they look really good as part of a display of cut flowers. Willows support a wide range of caterpillars and are one of the best trees you can plant to encourage butterflies whilst also supporting other pollinators.
