![]() There are many areas of the UK where hazel and hornbeam have been grown, but the Midlands and Devon still have much hazel woodland useful for the remaining thatchers. Although it is said that the Romans introduced it, there is some evidence that coppicing was practised in England in Neolithic times. Historically chestnut coppice growing has been strongest in the south East of England, especially Kent and East Sussex. Chestnut has traditionally been used for fencing whereas hazel is more likely to have been used for thatching, hedge-laying spars and hurdle making. In the UK the main trees that are coppiced are sweet chestnut, hazel and hornbeam. Some even make hurdles for keeping sheep in pens.Īn approximate guide the diameter of felled coppice for further processing is: In many cases the coppicer will process further and create spiles (stakes or strong fencing posts), or will split the chestnut into various sizes for fencing. Once cut, the poles produced are usually processed to some extent in the woodland: they are often cut to length, and perhaps de-barked. The best time to coppice is late September to early March when trees are dormant. This could be after 1-2 seasons but is usually 5-6 years (more in Scotland). Always leave a fire in a safe condition when leaving the woodland. Coppicing means cutting the tree down to ground level to allow new shoots to spring up from the base. Start coppicing once trees are growing vigorously.Make sure you are working upwind of any campfire.Fell away from the wind and fell all the poles in one direction. Coppice trees can serve as windbreaks to protect crops from the impact of strong gusts, and have been shown to reduce the impact of tropical storms and hurricanes in Florida, as well as help.In some cases it maybe necessary to make a first cut higher and then trim back as above.That cut should be angled some 15 to 20 degrees from horizontal with the lowest point facing outwards from the centre of the stool. ![]() ![]() Ideally one cut should be made about 1-2 inches above where the branch grows out of the stool.
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