About Wombat Willow
Where Tradition Meets Sustainability
At Wombat Willow, we're growing more than just humble willow trees; we're cultivating a legacy for English cricket. From our roots in the South Devon countryside, we connect landowners with the opportunity to grow the world's finest willow, ensuring a sustainable future for the sport.
We're passionate advocates for conservation and craftsmanship, believing in the power of partnerships to preserve both the game and the environment. By transforming underutilised land into thriving willow plantations, we're not only securing a vital resource for cricket bat makers, but also enriching biodiversity and safeguarding the English countryside. We are dedicated to nurturing a future where cricket's traditions and ecological responsibility go hand in hand.
Our Story So Far
Wombat Willow is not just about crafting cricket bats; it's about safeguarding the very heart of the game.
Born from a passion for cricket and a desire to preserve the dwindling art of traditional bat making, our journey began with a simple realisation: the finest bats demand the finest willow. That's why we’ve taken control of the entire process, from nurturing saplings to crafting world-class bats at our founder company Wombat Cricket, a feat only a handful of companies in the UK can claim.
Our story is one of innovation and dedication. From our Devon workshop, where each bat is meticulously handcrafted using the highest-grade English willow, to the fields across the UK where we grow our sustainable crops, we're building a legacy. We’re not just a business; we're custodians of a British heritage, striving to uphold the time-honoured traditions of cricket bat making for generations to come.
About Harry Solomon
Crafting a legacy with a passion for the pitch and the planet
Harry's journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. Self-taught, yet mentored by masters of the craft, he travelled the globe to perfect his understanding of cricket bat making. Returning to his roots, he established Wombat Cricket in the heart of Devon, committed to keeping production in the UK and creating jobs in a highly skilled and niche sector.
Harry’s vision extends beyond crafting bats; it’s about ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sport. He recognised the need to secure a reliable source of premium English willow, leading to the creation of Wombat Willow and its unique 'tree to bat' full production process.
Driven by a commitment to environmental stewardship, Harry champions a 3:1 planting-to-felling ratio, enriching the English countryside while providing landowners with a sustainable income stream. He understands the value of underutilised land, transforming wet low-lying fields and riverbanks into thriving willow plantations that benefit both the ecology and local communities.
Harry remains rooted in his British heritage, but his dedication has propelled Wombat Cricket onto the global stage, attracting clients from major cricket nations. Wombat Willow is not just about growing trees; it’s about cultivating a sustainable future for cricket, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and building a legacy that will resonate for generations. Wombat Willow invites landowners and estates to join him in this endeavour, fostering a partnership that benefits both their land and the enduring spirit of English cricket.