We are limited to other types of work during the spring/summer due to nesting birds, hence coppicing is a traditional winter task.
Above: In this conservation area near Milton Keynes, we coppiced an area of willow. This will let in more light and allow orchids (such as the Bee Orchid) to grow through later on in the year.
Occasionally, people don’t realise that coppicing does not kill a tree, it mearly encourages it to regrow. Therefore, by rotating the areas we coppice each year, we effectively create an area with lots of different ages of regrowth and this is good for biodiversity.
Above & Below: John is creating habitat piles (also good for biodiversity) with the willow he coppiced.
You may notice from the pictures, that we have chosen to coppice areas of varying sizes and shapes. We left certain trees/coppice stools, created ‘scallops’ (curved edges) and created small glades (cleared circular areas). This is also good for biodiversity as it creates a variety of micro-climates to which some insects/butterflies/plants are adapted to.
Above: Another view of the work area. Thanks to Susanne for all the pictures.