08.03.2015 - Trimming of pollard willows

From 6th till 8th March was organised the workshop on trimming of pollard willows together with other activities in The centre of environmental education Dropie. One of the main acitivities was workshop of traditional craft of the region - basketry.

In the past, trimming of pollard willows was the main way how to provide wood for heating. But now we do it for a different reason - the preservation of cultural and historical phenomenon of Žitný ostrov and enhancing the biodiversity of wetland communities.

If we want to use thin wicker for basketry, it is necessary to trim willows every year. If we want to grow willows for wood for heating, a period of trimming is once in 3-5 years. By regular trimming we can extend the life of willow by more than double. When trimming "to the head" willow naturally becomes hollow, where the tinder is created inside. The cavities represent home for a lot of mushroom species, vertebrates, invertebrates.. They provide a place for other plants. Pollard willow is really an important element of the biodiversity in such an altered country of Žitný ostrov.