We have begun coppicing the hazel in the central area of Top Ardles woodland this year. Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management that involves cyclically cutting the stems down to almost
ground level and letting them regrow.
As well as producing a more sustainable supply of timber, coppicing also benefits the woodland wildlife by creating a variety of different structures and conditions. Coppicing also allows more light to reach the ground (of different intensities when in a rotation), hopefully increasing the diversity and abundance of wildflowers.
The majority of the hazel will be coppiced in sections over the next 3-6 years and then each section will likely be cut again on a 7-12 year cycle, along with the willow that had previously been cut.
We had hoped to work with a local coppice group but were unfortunately let down so have utilised our maintenance contractors to get the work underway. Most of the materials have been used to create deadhedges and additional habitat opportunities for wildlife, although
some have also been utilised for stakes and binders in the creation of a laid hedge in the village pocket park.
As well as the coppicing, we have also removed several dead ash treesthat had been infected with chalara ash dieback and were threatening the safety of path users. Numerous self-seeded and spreading birch have also been removed from one of the main rides, to allow this to stay open and develop a greater diversity of open-ground wildflowers.
Similarly, several trees within the stands will be gently thinned over the subsequent years, further increasing structural diversity, allowing the remaining trees to better develop and to create areas where more light can reach the woodland floor and help the development of the
understorey.
As always, if there’s any questions or if you wish to support the Woodland Trust in any way, then please do get in touch.
Kind regards,
Matt George (Site Manager)
MatthewGeorge@woodlandtrust.org.uk