I have been making besoms as a full time occupation for most of my working life. The besom is crafted from birch wood, which is recognisable by its shining white bark, and it is the pliable twig. It is used to make the traditional besom broom head, the handle is made from hazel which is collected from local woodlands.

Birch twigs were used by the ancient Celts for driving out the spirits of the past year and considered to possess great powers of purification and rebirth. These attributes led the broomstick to become an important part of their ceremonies.

Besoms are often associated with pagan witch craft and the fictional image of witches flying through the night sky. Besoms are often kept in porches or hung above doors to keep away the evil spirits.

Historically besoms have been used in many occupations such as brewing beer, iron smelting, putting out fires and sweeping floors.

Today most people use their besoms for sweeping away autumn leaves, gravel on their driveways and removing unsightly wormcasts from their lawns.

The besom is still the best broom for general outdoor sweeping, it is quick, easy to use and environmentally friendly. It can get in to corners and doesn't ruin your lawn!