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What is ‘coppicing’ and why do we do it?
The word ‘coppice’ can often be found in the names of many woodlands throughout the UK. But what is ‘coppicing’? And why does Plantlife think its a good thing? Richard Moyse, manager of Plantlife’s Ranscombe Farm Reserve, explains:
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Bluebells in coppiced woodland at Plantlife's Ranscombe Farm Reserve. © Bob Gibbons/Plantlife
“Nearly half of Ranscombe Farm reserve is woodland, and a large proportion is sweet chestnut. One of the ways in which we manage it is by ‘coppicing’.
This is an ancient form of woodland management, which has been practised at Ranscombe for hundreds of years. Originally it was a way for our ancestors to obtain timber for building or firewood. Today it is recognised as a vitally important way of protecting rare woodland plants, butterflies, and birds.
Coppicing involves cutting down areas of woodland on a cycle of 15 to 25 years. Although it looks drastic, it results in a superb show of wildflowers in the first few years - coppicing is what helps maintain the wonderful show of bluebells in Kent’s woodlands. Then the trees quickly grow back, making good habitat for birds and dormice.
Over the autumn and winter, several areas of woodland at Ranscombe are being coppiced as part of their longterm management. This work involves a lot of tree felling, and use of heavy machinery, so if you ever visit, please take care and look out for warning signs. The cut timber isn’t wasted, as most will be used to make locally-produced wooden fencing.
"Coppicing is what helps maintain the wonderful show of bluebells in Kent’s woodlands."
Open patches in the woodland are among the richest places for plants on the whole reserve, so stumps will be removed in a few areas. This creates wider, sunny glades which benefit rare wildflowers such as meadow clary, lady orchid, and hairy mallow.”