The birth and early history of a Bullfrog Bat
Willow planting and felling

Cricket bat willow is cultivated timber which is grown in large plantations alonside running water. Bullfrog preference is Kentish timber, from a sustainable source. We grow willow on the marshes to the East of Canterbury, alongside the River Stour. Each tree is hand planted and then tended for 18 years to keep the main trunk free of branches. As a result, on felling, clefts of straight grain and excellent power are produced, with each tree providing sufficient wood - of the right quality - for some 40 - 50 bats.

bats are of the highest quality. Tey are made from the sapwood, which carries the moisture from the roots making this the most resilient part of the tree. These bats should therefore exhibit the greatest strength and quality of performance.

bats are basically the same as , but may show some markings where small branches have grown from the trunk and then been removed. These markings are largely cosmetic and consist of small marks and flecked grain.

Each Bullfrog Bats cricket bat, unlike many you'll find elsewhere, is individually handcrafted, using traditional tools. The hand shaping process has changed little over the past century; the same draw knives, planes and spoke shaves are expertly wielded to produce a cricket bat with the correct weight and balance.

The densest area of the bat will be the driving area and the shoulders will be shaped to ensure a balanced pick up.

Bats are designed for the ball to be hit between five and eight inches from the bottom and in the middle of the blade. The toe, edges and shoulders of the bat are thinner than the "sweet spot".

The uniqueness of the Bullfrog cricket bat lies not only in the handcrafting of the bat itself, but also in the bespoke designs carved onto the back. See what Angus Fraser, ex Middlesex and England, had to say about our bats - CLICK HERE.

These designs can be either your own (club logo, initials etc), or you can leave it up to the "artists" discretion. What will you have on yours?

We also supply pads and gloves, and products to help you care for your bat, such as Bat "Vax" protection (an ultra thin but uniquely strong transparent bat face cover, recommended for the first season).