Yorkshire’s Gray-Nicolls bats used by sporting superstars
Newburgh Priory Estate, near Coxwold, has been growing cricket bat willows for Gray-Nicolls, a well-known bat manufacturer, for 15 years.
England’s Harry Brook and Tammy Beaumont, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, and Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan are among the current cricketers who use Gray-Nicolls bats.
Former legends such as Sir Alistair Cook, Brian Lara, Clive Lloyd, and Ian and Greg Chappell also favoured them.
The willows, known as Salix alba Caerulea, take 15 years to mature before they are ready for use in First Class and Test matches, as well as the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Neil Gray, managing director of Gray-Nicolls, said: “Gray-Nicolls are very proud of our partnership with Newburgh and we have had a close working relationship for maybe 15 years.
“The estateโs plantation is more about cricket bats for the future as this year was the first opportunity to process a few willow trees.
“With our seasoning process it is unlikely that any Newburgh willow is being used by the current players.
“But very soon, possibly even next season, it will be.”
There are 1,500 cricket bat willows growing on the estate, with each willow able to provide wood for 35 bats – forming a steady supply stream to Gray-Nicolls.
Wilf Standeven of Newburgh Priory Estate said: “These are tremendously exciting times for us.
“The idea of our willow being used by batting superstars like Englandโs Harry Brook is simply magnificent.
“These last 15 years have been a labour of love โ and now we are seeing the tangible results.”
He explained that some of the land at Newburgh is ideal for growing these willows, which thrive in damp soil and typically grow around bodies of water.
They have extensive root systems and a large capacity for water retention, which helps manage floodplains by stabilising soils and preserving nutrient-rich topsoil.
The trees mature from 15 years onwards, and their growth rate makes them suitable for a regular two-to-three-year coppicing cycle.
Mr Standeven added: “The planting of cuttings and subsequent felling of the species is a highly sustainable practice, especially as they capture and store carbon.
“This benefits the environment, landowners, and cricket bat manufacturers alike.”
It is believed that cricket bat willows were first introduced to Yorkshire by Sir Guy Graham Bt of Norton Conyers, near Ripon, after the First World War.
Sir Guy noticed bat willows growing in East Anglia while he was shooting there.
His grandson, Richy Graham, said: “People said it would be far too cold in North Yorkshire to grow them successfully, but he proved them wrong.
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“Gradually the word spread and over the years many neighbours, including Newburgh Priory, also started growing them for Gray-Nicolls across the county.
“And it has proved a tremendous success story.”
The willows from Newburgh Priory Estate have recently hit the headlines when Jeremy Clarkson planted a number at his farm in his popular Prime television series, Clarksonโs Farm.