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The Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre is situated at Stoke St Gregory, on the Somerset Levels, north east of Taunton, England. Based on a working farm, growing and processing willow, the centre offers tours of over of withies, willow yards and basket workshops and explains the place of willow in the history of the Levels. == History == The centre is run and owned by the Coate family who have been growing willow on the Somerset Levels since 1819 and making baskets since 1904. During the Victorian era wicker furniture became popular as it was believed to be more sanitary, collecting less dust when compared to upholstery. Large numbers of people were employed, some as "outworkers" processing the willow in their own homes. The company has remained in the same family since.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://visitbridgwater.org/listings/view/117/English_Willow_Baskets_Visitor_Centre )〕 Several varieties of willow are grown on the , the majority being ''Salix triandra'' The willow is then cut and processed to produce different colours. The willow is boiled and then the bark removed. Bark removal was originally carried out by hand but is now mechanised.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.northumbriabasketrygroup.co.uk/gallery.php?id=271 )〕 In addition to willow for basket making, the company also uses it to make Charcoal, which is sold under their own label and for other brands since the 1960s.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.coatescharcoal.co.uk/ )〕 The centre was opened by David Bellamy in 1987. Particular efforts have been made to ensure the museum is accessible to those with visual and mobility impairments. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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