At this time of year, young fresh growth of certain trees like willow and Hazel can be made into a rough, tough form of cordage or binding material called withies.
To make these, hold the end of the young branch in both hands and twist in opposite directions, this starts the internal fibres breaking,
As you work along the stem start twisting it in a cranking motion almost like you are peddling a bike with your hands, the bark may start to break off at this stage but that doesn't matter
Once it gets too hard to crank anymore cut it from the tree and put it to its intended use, either fence making, shelter building or basket handles, if you've done it correctly you should even be able to tie the branch in a knot!
Get out and practise those skills!!
