Coppice

We began planting our coppice in the winter of 2023/2024.

We received 420 trees from the Woodland Trust through their Free Trees for Schools and Communities grant.

The species you can find within the coppice are as follows:
• Hazel
• Rowan
• Sessile oak
• Goat willow
• Grey willow
• Holly
• Downy birch
• Silver birch
• Wild cherry
• Field maple

We also planted 600 osier willow. This species of willow is excellent for basket making and weaving because of its strength and ability to bend. It’s also a source of food and shelter for native wildlife and can even be used to decontaminate the soil. Osier willow has the ability to absorb heavy metals, and is often planted to 'clean up' contaminated waste ground.

Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management. Coppicing is the practice of cutting trees and shrubs to ground level, promoting vigorous re-growth and a sustainable supply of timber for future generations. After 8-15 years, these are then harvested, restarting the cycle once more. This can help to prevent the manifestation of dead or diseased wood in the tree, by renewing constant fresh growth and the removal of old wood, allowing the tree to live for a lot longer than if it were left un-coppiced.

We will use the timber harvested on site for pea sticks, bean poles, fencing, firewood and green woodworking.