What is Coppicing?

Coppicing is a traditional woodland management practice dating back to 5,000 BC. It would have originally been undertaken to produce timber for house building, fences and firewood and charcoal. Today it is primarily used for nature conservation purposes.

Coppicing involves cutting trees down to near ground level. Although this may appear drastic, it has the effect of causing the tree to sprout vigorously the following spring as well as increasing light levels into the woodland. This improves the diversity of the ground flora and creates a habitat that is favourable to many species of butterfly, birds and bats.

Coppicing with standards means that some trees, commonly oak are left to grow to maturity. This provides shelter to the regenerating coppice trees.

Why is it necessary to coppice Hazel Grove?

Hazel Grove Woodland has a long history of coppicing and many of the species that traditionally occur in the woodland rely on the practice to create the habitat that they require.

Coppicing was revived successfully in 2000 with the second compartment being coppiced in 2005. Before this the woodland was not coppiced since around the time of WWII. The lapse has caused many of the trees to become top heavy and vulnerable to wind damage and also meant that the wildlife value declined. Carrying out coppicing means that the trees are rejuvenated and the wildlife is increasing.