Here is a quick guide to making cordage from the inner bark of a Lime tree.
It is best done in spring when there is a lot of sap rising, it makes getting the bark off easier. I went out last weekend, although late I was still able to remove the bark without too much trouble.
It is best done in spring when there is a lot of sap rising, it makes getting the bark off easier. I went out last weekend, although late I was still able to remove the bark without too much trouble.
I found a young tree that had fallen over, which was ideal. I then cut it into lengths of about 2 to 3 meters and removed the side shoots. Next I made a deep cut into the bark the whole length of the cut section.
I then from the corner of the cut started to peel the whole layer of bark up from the wood. It is then ready to peel. I made a wooden spud to help me with this. The spud is a tool to aid you in peeling bark. Once I had the bark lifting I then used the spud to ease it away bit by bit.
I slowly worked my way down the wood easing the bark away. I worked both edges away until I could finally remove the whole bark from the wood, hopefully in one long piece.
It is not long before I had a pile of bark all stripped from the wood. Next I lay the bark out on the bed of a stream. It will need to stay under water for 4 to 6 weeks, where it will slowly separate into lengths of fibres. I will check it at times to keep an eye on its progress. When it is ready I will collect all the lengths of fibres and give them a good rinse as they will smell really bad. Once dried they are ready to turn into cordage.
