About

Coppicing is a traditional woodland management technique which is woven into the history of landscape management in the UK. When many deciduous tree species are cut down to the ground they naturally send up new shoots known as re-growth or re-gen. This natural ability to regrow means that these trees can be coppiced almost indefinitely, 

A coppiced woodland comprises of multiple areas, or coupes, that are coppiced on a staggered rotation. This creates areas at varying stages of re-growth, and thus creates heterogeneity within the woodland. Many species respond well to this type of management as the niche they require is present during a particular stage within the coppice cycle. Therefore, it is important that a coppice regime is maintained within a coppice woodland so that certain stages of re-growth are always available. 

A newly coppiced area of Ash and Hazel with Oak standards in a Norfolk woodland. 

For example, the heath fritilary butterfly depends upon open, sunny areas within a woodland where the larval foodplant for this species, common cow-wheat, grows. 2 or 3 years after coppicing the re-growth from the coppice stools creates conditions too shady for common cow-wheat and the butterfly must find another open area within the woodland. The heath fritillary butterfly was known colloquially as the woodsman's friend, after it's habit of following woodsman to newly coppiced areas. coppicing is one of the few product based industries which benefits wildlife as a by-product.

Deep in an old Hazel coppice on the limstone of the Burren in Ireland.

When I first heard about coppicing I couldn't understand why more woodlands aren't still coppiced in the UK; it significantly benefits wildlife and allows individuals to make a sustainable living from woodland products.

I set up this blog initially to document all that I was learning about coppicing and the associated crafts during my time as a Heritage Landscape Trainee at the Gressenhall Rural Life Museum in Norfolk. Since then I have set up my own coppice business, WitchHalse Coppice Crafts. This involves working in a number of coppice woodlands throughout the north of England. The trees that I coppice are used to produce various coppice products that I sell, or are used in other aspects of my work such as stakes and binders for hedge laying. 

I aim to achieve both environmental and social goals through my work; by inspiring others to get involved in traditional woodland work whilst also allowing them an opportunity to learn these traditional woodland skills. I believe this will be the most effective way to ensure that our woodlands survive into the future for the benefit of both wildlife and our own cultural heritage.

Please keep an eye on my coppice products page for any new products that become available. I hope to also start running courses in various coppice crafts in the near future.

Please also get in touch if you have any enquiries or questions.

Lee.bassett01@gmail.com

Twitter: @leebassett33

Peter, president of the South of England Hedge Laying Society presenting me with a trophy!