Coppice and Woodland Management/Restoration

Project Data

Location

Gloucestershire, UK

Client Type

Woodland Consultancy

Field and Canopy was contracted by SLIM Woodlands CIC to provide practical support with woodland and coppice restoration projects at two private sites within Gloucestershire, UK. The work involved the restoration of an abandoned coppicing cycle, selective thinning, assisted felling, installation of deer fencing, new tree planting and creation of coppice and timber products. All work was undertaken with full compliance to existing felling licenses and protected species legislation.

Methods

Step 01

Tree Selection

Trees to be felled or coppiced were identified, measured and marked, ensuring that all works remained within the bound of the existing site felling licence.

STEP 02

Felling/Coppicing

Trees were felled or coppiced in accordance with FISA guidelines, with layering taking place to increase coppice stool density. Habitat piles were created from brash to further encourage biodiversity.

STEP 03

Fencing & Planting

Deer fencing was installed to discourage browsing and supplementary planting was also undertaken in certain areas. Timber was graded and converted into products such as hedging stakes/binders, woodfuel, spar gads and bean poles.

Outcomes

The work forms part of a wider plan for woodland and coppice restoration across the sites, demonstrating how active coppice can provide both biodiversity benefits but also become financially self-sustaining. A coppice cycle has been restored in two coupes which will provide a range of coppice products when it is next cut.

“

It was reassuring to have Pete Etheridge (Field & Canopy) providing essential assistance to this project in the form of practical woodland management. His many years of experience, the multi-disciplinary nature of his expertise (including coppice management, ecology and development planning), and his knowledge of theory and practice is invaluable to any project or team. He is professional, diligent, reliable, knowledgeable, and solution-focused.

Graham Morgan

Director, SLIM Woodlands CIC