I’m so grateful to be outdoors in winter. January and February is the time when our willow is dormant, waiting to be harvested.

In the darkest depths of winter who’d have guessed that we’d be out on the land having such a heavenly time.

I find that each winter harvest lifts me, gets me back in touch with why I’m doing what I do.. reminds me of the magic.. makes me feel connected to others, makes me feel like a child.

With storm kettle in hand (and masses of cake) over to Sacrerd Earth land, down the track by the stream we go.

We’ve spent the last couple of weeks cutting, sorting, weeding, listening, basking in every ray of sun that broke through the cloud.

Today we hauled the willow back from the land. The sun was shining, the sky was so beautifully blue. Some little wrens were making quite a racket in the brambles.

Such an amazing feeling to gather this material every year, to spend time sorting it, and to receive so much help in the process. A huge thanks to everyone who has helped with this lovely job.

The willow is drying outside my workshop, waiting to be make into some fine baskets and creations.

Annemarie O’Sullivan is a willow worker who grows her crop at Sacred Earth.