Rushing on the river

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BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833)<br />
Pic: ZacharyCulpin/BNPS<br />
<br />
Pictured: Rosalind, 9, (left) and Nellie, 13, organise newly cut rush<br />
<br />
Teaching new generations the centuries-old tradition of rush harvesting<br />
<br />
A craftswoman has roped in her two daughters to carry on the centuries-old tradition of rush harvesting.<br />
<br />
Sarah Le Breton was ably assisted by Nellie, 13, and Rosalind, 9, in tackling a 'bumper harvest' on the River Isle in the Somerset Levels.<br />
<br />
They waded into the water and used a sickle to cut the 10ft freshwater plants, which were then sorted into bolts (bundles) and carried home.<br />
<br />
The rush they collected - a substantial nine bolts worth - will be used to fashion intricate baskets, chair seats and sculptures in her Devon workshop.<br />
<br />
The rush harvest lasts a few weeks each summer, with enough needing to be collected to last the year. Sarah, 44, a member of the Heritage Crafts Association, said she wants to preserve the tradition, whose origins date back to the 17th century, for future generations.

BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833)
Pic: ZacharyCulpin/BNPS

Pictured: Rosalind, 9, (left) and Nellie, 13, organise newly cut rush

Teaching new generations the centuries-old tradition of rush harvesting

A craftswoman has roped in her two daughters to carry on the centuries-old tradition of rush harvesting.

Sarah Le Breton was ably assisted by Nellie, 13, and Rosalind, 9, in tackling a 'bumper harvest' on the River Isle in the Somerset Levels.

They waded into the water and used a sickle to cut the 10ft freshwater plants, which were then sorted into bolts (bundles) and carried home.

The rush they collected - a substantial nine bolts worth - will be used to fashion intricate baskets, chair seats and sculptures in her Devon workshop.

The rush harvest lasts a few weeks each summer, with enough needing to be collected to last the year. Sarah, 44, a member of the Heritage Crafts Association, said she wants to preserve the tradition, whose origins date back to the 17th century, for future generations.