Relight my Fire

Thursday, December 3rd 2015

Our small group of Thursday volunteers braved the damp and dismal conditions today to continue coppicing a section of Hazel which we started doing on Tuesday.

This is a good example of a neatly coppiced stool, the older, thicker stems have been removed from the centre, leaving new growth to flourish.

The cuts have been made at an angle, which is to encourage the water to drain away from the stool, helping to avoid it succumbing to fungal infection and decay.


Coppicing is done on a rotation basis, this ensures a range of different ages trees and stools, which helps to increase biodiversity. Hazel stems traditionally were coppiced between 7 and 15 years and were put to use in thatching or making hurdles or as hedge laying spars.

Thank you to everyone who came out today, your hard work and good spirits were much appreciated.
  


(1) Comments:

Jane Mountjoy responded on 4th Dec 2015 with...

I am a new ‘small wood owner’. Should the copice be cut, whether or not the cut wood is going to be used?
I would eventually use it for firewood when seasoned, but don’t quite understand if is it ‘good’ for the coppice to be maintained in this way?
Thank you.


Leave a Comment:

Please complete this field, it's required. Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?


Back to Top

Help Support Foxglove

Friends of Foxglove

The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

More Details

Upcoming Events


CLOSURE: Monday 22nd April 2024

Wednesday 17th April 2024 |

Due to an important event occuring on the camp, Foxglove Covert LNR will be closed for one day only on Moday 22nd April.

The reserve will resume usual opening hours on Tuesday 23rd April.



Access to the Reserve: OPEN with limited access

Monday 18th March 2024 |

The reserve is now open, although again with limited access.

Visitors will be able to access the reserve with the use of key fobs provided at the pass office upon entrance to the camp, or will be provided entrance and exit through the access gate by an officer from the camp Guard Room. In this case visitors will need a mobile phone to call the Guard Room when they wish to exit the reserve.

Please be aware that due to these circumstances, entering and leaving the reserve might take a little longer than usual.



VIEW ALL EVENTS

Recent Blog Posts

Blog Archive