This produces numerous shoots or poles rather than one. The coppiced trees and their produce, collectively known as the ‘underwood’, have traditionally supplied timber for firewood, charcoal-burning, fencing wattles and tool handles.

The silviculture and management of coppice woodlands. A coppiced wood is cut periodically, with the trees allowed to regrow from the cut stumps, called stools. Fuller 1993 From the early Middle Ages until the late 19th century, most woods in lowland England were coppiced, creating conditions suitable for many plants, insects and birds and those requiring open woodland habitats. Coppice woodlands often include standard trees, such as Oak, that are left to grow in to mature trees alongside the coppiced trees, such as hazel. In addition a handbook has been published to give information and advice on the management of trees, stools and woodlands as coppice:

Effects of time of felling and height of cutting coppice.Įxperimental results are available in several publications.

A survey of recently felled coppice woodlands was carried out to gather information on current practices.

In 19 coppice types were not differentiated.Īdapted from 'The Silviculture And Management Of Coppice Woodlands' (see below). Coppicing is the woodland management technique of repeatedly felling trees at the base (or stool), and allowing them to regrow, in order to provide a. The 100 or so hectares of coppice are natural areas of historical woodland consisting of black locust, ash, sessile oak and cherry. Estimated areas (1000’s Ha) of simple coppice and coppice with standards recorded in surveys made during the 20th century Year Whilst there has been much interest in the ecology of coppice woodlands there has been little systematic study of the silviculture of either coppice stools or woodlands. The practice works because, when felled close to the ground leaving just the established root system and stump (know as a coppice stool), many varieties of tree will produce multiple, quick growing, shoots. If you would like to get involved we also accept volunteers for some of our activities, just get in touch by emailing.

However, during recent years there has been a revival of interest in this form of management.Ĭoppice woodlands often have a potentially high conservation value, but many of those that remain are neglected, and require management in order to retain their character and biodiversity. Coppicing is a woodland management technique used to produce a plentiful and manageable supply of young wood, timber or poles. We also run craft and coppice courses from our beautiful woodland yard.

Coppice was the traditional form of silviculture practised in many woodlands in lowland Britain, and the estimated areas of simple coppice, and coppice with standards, has been declining for at least a century.

The coppice woodland