Lovely, sometimes very flooded, Somerset is a county in the southwest of England where Greengage is based. It has stunning natural beauty with places like Cheddar Gorge and the Levels. It also has beautiful urban areas such as Bath and Wells and even has breath-taking coastlines. In addition to all its natural beauty it also has an abundance of natural materials that we aim to use whenever possible.
Somerset natural materials – Stone
We use natural stone as much as possible and we are surrounded by limestone, ham stone and blue and white lias. Limestone has been used in the construction of many iconic structures in Somerset, including churches, cathedrals, and even the famous Glastonbury Tor. We also have the distinctive blue-grey stone known as Bath Stone. Bath Stone has been used for centuries in the construction of buildings, including the iconic Roman Baths in Bath. Hamstone is another very local stone to us and was used for the construction of the monument on Ham Hill. We have used it construct a beautiful water feature. Our nearest quarry to us supplies Blue Lias and this is the stone we use on the majority of our projects. Clients often have stone we can reuse which is even better.
Take a look at this project using Ham stone.
Somerset natural materials – Clay
Another natural material that is abundant in Somerset is clay. The county has a long history of pottery production, with the clay found in the region being highly prized for its quality. The clay from Somerset has been used to create a wide range of pottery items, from everyday household objects to intricate decorative pieces. Some notable pottery centres in Somerset include the villages of Stoke St Gregory and Langport, where traditional pottery techniques are still practiced today. Beautiful pottery can be a focal point in your garden drawing the eye to hard or soft landscaping as you wish.
Somerset natural materials – Wood
Wood is another essential natural material found in Somerset. The county is home to several ancient forests, including the Quantock Hills and the Mendip Hills, which are rich in diverse species of trees. Wood from these forests has been used for centuries in the construction of buildings, furniture, and even ships. Somerset is also known for its willow production, with the wetlands of the Somerset Levels providing an ideal environment for the growth of willow trees. Willow has been traditionally used to create baskets, furniture, and even cricket bats, we haven’t had the chance to build anything from willow for a client yet, why not be the first! Alternatively take a look at the products here. https://www.coatesenglishwillow.co.uk/
We love using local materials particularly Somerset ones and supporting Somerset business.
Words: Jennie Eastick, Amateur gardener and Office Manager