Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2012/January 2013 | Page 72

COUNTRY LIFE THE ART OF COPPICING by Jamie Marsh, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Coppicing is a long established woodland management technique utilising the regeneration power of broadleaved species. Trees are cut to near ground level and the following year the cut stool throws up new shoots which are then left to develop to the desired age for use either as a product or for the purposes of biodiversity. Woodlands are split into “Coups” an area that is cut on a rotational basis to suit the desired produce or for the biodiversity of the area. Traditionally this was all done by hand utilising tools such as bowsaws, billhooks and froes. Coppicing can produce high yields of timber from relatively small woodlands. Coppice produce was essential during the 18th and 19th Century providing charcoal for the smelting of iron and thus fuelling the Industrial Revolution. However this was also the beginning of the decline of the art of coppicing, as society developed modern, more efficient techniques and materials that were longer lasting and more effective. During the 20th Century many of our coppice woodlands became unviable and were lost or abandoned. Forestry changed and conifers became the new “crop”, fast straight growing trees suitable for a range of uses. However over the last few decades there has been a resurgence in woodland management and the art of coppicing. Today, we have a much 72 www.visitislandlife.com better understanding of the value of coppice for biodiversity and this has been one of the main drivers for restarting coppicing in our woodlands. The wildlife value of coppice woodland is immense. A well managed coppice has coups of various ages from newly felled clearings to mature coppice or non-intervention areas. the ground stimulating the growth of woodland flora including Bluebells, Wood anemone, Wood sorrel and Violets. These provide nectar and food for many invertebrates which in turn attract birds and mammals. Edge habitat is very important and created when cleared areas are next to mature coppice. It creates ideal habitat for Coppice coupe at Eaglehead This means a range of habitats suitable for a huge number of species. By coppicing on rotation you are ensuring continuity of these habitats and thus continuing to provide suitable habitat for a range of species. The age of coppice for wildlife is important and the rotation cycle needs to be carefully considered for the species present. Newly cleared areas are fantastic for flora and invertebrates. When an area is cleared the sunlight warms nesting birds, areas for clematis and honeysuckle to grow and habitat for specialist butterflies such as White admiral and Silver wash fritillary who like dappled shade. Mature coppice is great for mosses and lichen, its craggy nature makes it good for fungi and any holes are utilised by birds and bats. The Isle of Wight has a number of amazing coppice woodlands many of which are accessible via public footpaths, bridleways and permissive