Coppicing management methods
Coppicing management methods
Understanding Coppicing
- Traditional woodland management technique involving the cutting of trees at the base level to stimulate new growth.
- Results in a multi-stemmed tree with the same root system.
- The cutting process is known as coppicing.
- Traditional method dating back thousands of years, an effective way to sustainably harvest wood.
- Mainly used on species like hazel, ash, chestnut, and oak which have the ability to regrow from the stump.
Coppicing Cycle and Regrowth
- Coppicing follows a cycle - trees are cut and then left to regrow before being cut again.
- The time between cuttings involves several stages of regrowth; known as rotation.
- Length of rotation depends on the species and the required size of the harvested material.
- Common rotation ages range from 7 – 20 years.
- Established coppices have a ‘stool’ or base of a mature tree.
- Stems that grow from these stools are known as ‘poles’.
Benefits of Coppicing
- Provides a supply of wood fuel and materials for an array of wood crafts.
- Continuous resource – coppice stools can survive for several hundred years, far longer than unmanaged trees.
- Creates a varied structure in woodlands providing a rich habitat for different species of plants and wildlife.
- Opens up the woodland canopy encouraging wildflower growth which can benefit bees and butterflies.
- Helps in the development of dense, low-level foliage beneficial for bird species.
Practical Coppicing Methods
- Select trees that are suitable for coppicing.
- Cut them close to the ground during the dormant season.
- Use sharp tools to make clean cuts.
- Make an angled cut to prevent water from collecting and causing rot.
- Protect cut stools from deer and rabbits that may damage the new shoots.
- Clear the area around stools to provide the regrowth with light and space.
Coppicing Management Practices
- Rotate areas of coppicing, do not cut the entire woodland area at once.
- Allow different patches of woodland to be at different stages of growth.
- Keep a close check on the coppiced area to monitor growth and to protect against pests and diseases.
- Thinning may be necessary if there is too much regeneration.
- Excess growth should be used for biodiverse wood piles, benefiting insects and small mammals.
Neglected Coppices
- Neglected coppices can be restored; however, it’s challenging and needs careful management.
- Large, over-mature stools can be difficult to restore without killing the tree.
- Start by coppicing a small proportion of the tree’s stems where there are signs of natural regrowth.
- If the tree responds well, further coppicing can be carried out in subsequent years.
- Be aware of the impact of sudden light increase on the woodland floor flora and fauna; sudden exposure could damage shade-tolerant species.