Smallwoods Management

With most Coppice currently in a derelict state, particularly in Devon, it is perhaps best to start here.

Overstood or derelict Coppice has grown away from its initially intended use.
The stems become too large and misshapen to be used for hurdle rods or thatching spars for example.
But in order to begin the process of restoration it must be cut.
As with on cycle Coppice the area should be divided up into coupes. Depending on final use this may be anywhere between seven and twenty roughly equal areas.
Seven to ten for Hazel. Twenty to twenty five for ash or oak for example.

Before cutting it is important to establish extraction routes. Many remaining derelict coppices are hard to access. The difficulty in extracting the timber or accessing the site can make or break a Coppice operation and must be given plenty of thought.
Each site is different, and depends on what means of extraction are possible and available.
Whilst cutting derelict Coppice is possible using only hand tools, best results will require a chainsaw and the appropriate level of training.

It is likely that the resulting timber from the first cut will be best used for charcoal production or logs. Other products such as rustic furniture, bowl blanks for turning and spoon carving may also arise.
This provides some financial reward for the first stage of restoration.

It is best to work through the coupe methodically. There is nothing worse than the resulting tangle of timber and brash which can very quickly appear with an over enthusiastic cutting operation!
It is usually best to cut two to three stools at a time. Processing the timber and sorting the brash into drifts ( well ordered piles with butt ends facing the same way) in readiness for easy handling.
The timber can be stacked as the coupe is worked through. Standard for charcoal may be four foot (1.2m) lengths. This can be further processed into logs or extracted at a later date.
In order for the resulting cut stools to develop re growth and also to support any other propagation efforts such as layering ( partially cut stems pinned to the ground whereby they take root) it is important to exclude browsing animals such as deer from the coupe. Deer are probably the largest threat to a restoration project. There are many ways to attempt this. Permanent fencing, temporary fencing, repellants and deer stalking. And any combination of them all! This is best worked out by assessing your site and seeing what your budget allows.

In subsequent years a new coupe can be cut. Previously cut coupes can be improved on through restocking/layering.
Regarding stocking density, a Hazel Coppice may have stools spaced at roughly 2.5m apart. This promotes straight growth whilst maximising space to provide the best yield.
Coppice restoration is not for the faint hearted and can take many years, but at every stage there are rewards. It is always so encouraging to see just how quickly wild flowers will appear. Seeds that have lain dormant for many years will seize the opportunity that arises every time a derelict coupe is freshly cut.

Cutting an established Coppice is in many ways more straightforward.
This is led by the intended end product.
Hazel hurdles, bean poles, thatching spars, gads, chestnut fencing, oak for tan bark etc all have their own requirements. The length of cycle between cutting, distance between stools, lengths and diameter at time of cutting.
This is unique to the end product and the market that the coppice worker has for their products.
Each area is divided up into coupes. A coupe is completely cut in one year.
Whilst historically Coppice was cut with hand tools, mainly the axe and the billhook, it is most often cut now with a chainsaw. However, the billhook is still the tool of choice for dressing out ( removing side branches) and processing rods.
Again when cutting, the stools are cut in drifts. With the resulting material laying in the same direction. This makes it easier to work through methodically as the rods are dressed out. The useable rods are separated from the brash.
The rods are bundled and tied to await extraction. Depending on the site the rods may be further processed to the end product either on site or at the Coppice workers yard or workshop.

Often coppices are grown as “coppice with standards”. This simply means that single trees were grown to a larger height within the coppice. These were usually oak. To be grown on for the purposes of building material. These were usually felled at under one hundred years old. Whilst not necessary these days, mature oak specimens provide a valuable habitat for many species of wildlife, enriching the woodland. However, care must be taken to not overshadow the Coppice crop below. Usually twelve standards to the acre is the norm.
When carrying out a Coppice operation it may be necessary to either fell mature standards or select and maintain future specimens in order to maintain this balance.