The Enduring Appeal of a Birch Besom

A besom is not just a broom. It is a tool with a long history in the British countryside, and one that still earns its keep on a smallholding. Made from birch twigs bound onto a hazel handle, a besom is ideal for sweeping paths, hearths and workshop floors. The springy twigs flick away leaves, mud and sawdust without scratching stone or flagstones. Unlike a stiff yard broom, a besom works with a gentle rhythm, and it lasts for years if you treat it well.

Making one is a satisfying winter project. You need birch twigs, a hazel rod, and a length of binding material. The rest is patience and a good tight grip.

Gathering Birch Twigs at the Right Time

The best time to cut birch twigs is midwinter, when the sap is down and the leaves are long gone. Silver birch and downy birch both work well. Look for a coppiced stool or a pollarded tree, where you can cut long, straight, flexible twigs without harming the tree. A good twig is about 60 to 90 centimetres long and no thicker than a pencil. Avoid thick, woody branches; they make a clumsy, heavy besom.

Use sharp secateurs or a billhook. Cut cleanly, and gather the twigs into a bundle as you go. If the weather is dry, so much the better. Once home, store the bundle under cover in a cool, damp shed or garage. Do not let it dry out completely, or the twigs will snap when you bend them. If your twigs do become brittle, soak them in a bucket of water overnight before you begin.

Making the Hazel Handle

The handle is a straight hazel rod, about 1.5 to 2 metres long and 2 to 4 centimetres thick. Cut it in winter from a hazel coppice, choosing a clean stem with no side branches. A slight natural crook at the top is a bonus, as it gives you a handy hook for hanging the besom on a nail.

You can use the hazel green or seasoned. Green hazel is traditional, because it shrinks as it dries and helps to tighten the binding around the twigs. Strip off any side shoots and smooth the surface with a knife or spokeshave. Leave the bark on for grip and character. If you use seasoned hazel, soak it for a day or two to make it supple before you start binding.

Binding the Besom Head

Traditional binding uses a bine — a long, thin strip of green hazel or willow, split and twisted to make a strong, flexible cord. You can also use tarred twine, which is easier for a beginner but less authentic. If you use a hazel bine, soak it in water for an hour or two before use.

• A bundle of birch twigs, about 60–90 cm long
• A hazel handle, 1.5–2 m long
• A hazel or willow bine, or tarred twine
• Sharp secateurs or a billhook
• A stout stick for leverage

To assemble the besom, lay the handle on a bench with the top end overhanging. Arrange a thick layer of birch twigs around the handle, with the butt ends pointing upwards and the tips downwards. The twigs should fan out slightly. Tie them loosely with a temporary cord. Now wrap your bine tightly around the twigs and handle, starting near the top of the head, to form a collar. Use a stout stick as a lever to pull the bine as tight as you can. Wrap downwards in a spiral, then bind a second belt about 15 to 20 centimetres below the collar. Tuck the ends of the bine under the binding and pull them tight.

If you are using tarred twine, wrap it in the same way, pulling each turn tight and finishing with a secure knot. The head should feel firm and solid, with no loose twigs.

Trimming and Using Your Besom

Once the binding is done, stand the besom upright on a chopping block or a clean paving slab. Use a sharp billhook or heavy secateurs to trim the bottom of the twigs so they are level. Do not cut too short — leave about 30 to 40 centimetres of twig below the lower binding. A good trim gives you a flat, even sweep.

To use a besom, hold the handle near the top and sweep with light, rhythmic strokes. Let the twigs do the work. A besom is not a scrubbing brush; it is for clearing paths, hearths, workshop floors and barn aisles. It is also excellent for sweeping snow off steps without damaging the stone.

Looking After a Handmade Besom

Keep your besom dry. Hang it by the handle or store it upside down, with the head off the floor. Do not leave it standing in a puddle or against a damp wall. If a binding works loose, re-tighten it with fresh twine or a new bine. With care, a birch besom will last several years. Making a new one each winter is a good habit, and a fine way to spend a frosty afternoon. Once you have made your own, you will never look at a plastic broom the same way again.