Benefits and risks of coppicing

Sustainable Wood Supply: Coppicing provides a continuous and sustainable source of wood. The re-growth from coppiced trees can be harvested in cycles, providing regular supplies of timber.
Longevity of Trees: Coppiced trees, or stools, can outlast unmanaged trees, surviving for hundreds of years.
Biodiversity and Conservation: The changes in light and space at different stages of the coppicing cycle encourage diverse woodland habitats, benefitting a range of plants, flowers, birds and insects.
Carbon Sequestration: As new shoots grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Economic Benefits: The wood harvested from coppicing can serve multiple purposes, including craft materials, fencing, charcoal, and wood fuel.

Over-coppicing: Over-coppicing can lead to loss of habitat for certain wildlife species, therefore it’s important to use a rotation system where different areas of the woodland are coppiced at different times.
Deer and Rabbit Damage: Newly coppiced areas can attract deer and rabbits which can cause significant damage to the regrowth. Protections like fencing may be necessary.
Incorrect Cutting Techniques: Failing to use correct coppicing techniques, like making an angled cut on the stool, can lead to water collection and rot, threatening the survival of the stool.
Sudden Exposure: Coppicing brings about significant changes to the woodland environment. Drastic increases in light following cutting can potentially damage shade-tolerant species.
Disease and Pests: Coppicing can open up trees to disease and pests if not managed correctly. Regular monitoring and action may be needed to counter this.