The Sussex Trug, invented by Thomas Smith in the 1820s, is a globally recognised symbol of English gardening. However, with few practitioners, the skill of its making appears on the Heritage Crafts Association Red List of Endangered Crafts.
The only workshop running apprenticeships is the Cuckmere Trug Company. They welcome craftspeople to continue this local tradition and, with QEST funding, offered Mark a three-year position and comprehensive training in timber selection, steam bending, and the use of hand tools and electric machinery for the assembly of traditional and contemporary trugs.
