Sustainability
Coppicing supports and increases biodiversity
Coppicing is cyclical. An area of ground is divided up into plots. Known as coupes. One coupe is cut per year. A standard Coppice rotation may consist of 8-10 coupes of roughly one acre per coupe. This method results in a patchwork of growth. A mosaic of habitats. With no one coupe being at the same state of growth in any one year.
Throughout the area as a whole there are huge variations in light levels, open space and tree growth. This gives opportunities for all manner of species to take advantage of, maximising opportunities for habitat.
Perhaps in year one the open ground gives open sunlit glades for lizards to bask, raptors to hunt. Wildflowers, which, having lain dormant for years, are able to flourish. Butterflies take advantage of this.
In following years as the cover increases, some of our rarest songbirds are able to nest.
It is no coincidence that, since the 1950s many of our woodland birds and butterflies have reduced in number with the decline of coppicing. Birds such as the Nightingale, song thrush and willow warbler all thrive in the conditions provided by Coppiced woodland. Many of the Fritillary species of butterfly, the blues, and skippers, require the habitat that is found in Coppiced woodland.
Whilst often the main crop to be harvested can be considered a single species, a mono crop, it is exciting to know that the very act of coppicing, provides permanent, semi permanent open areas. Varying degrees of light and shade. Edges. This is where life thrives. Niches provided for wildlife to exploit and thrive.
With every growth stage of Coppice we are supporting and encouraging many different species of flora and fauna. In this way we can assist biodiversity increase, in what are often relatively small areas of woodland.
A brief list of wildlife that can be supported by a Coppice management system.
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Butterflies
Silver washed fritillary, Pearl bordered fritillary, Duke of Burgundy, Wood white, Heath fritillary, Purple emperor, White admiral, Blues, Skippers, Orange tip, Brimstones, Specked wood, Small tortoiseshell, Meadow brown, Green veined white Ringlet
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Birds
Nightingale, Turtledove, Dunnock, Song thrush, Lesser white throat, Willow warbler, Spotted flycatcher, Willow tit, Linnet, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer
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Small mammals
Dormice, Wood mouse, Common shrew, Bank vole, Field vole, Pygmy shrew, Yellow necked mouse, Bats
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Reptiles and amphibians
Grass snakes, Adders, Frogs, Toads
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Invertebrates
Scorpion flies, Hoverflies, Beetles, Weevils, Bumblebees , Wasps, Lacewings, Gnats, Mosquitoes, Robber flies, Slugs, Snails, Crickets, Groundhoppers
If we also consider the wider aspects, it can only be good to be replacing plastics with locally grown, sustainable products. Cutting down on fossil fuel led manufacturing. Less movement of products around the globe. Supporting a local economy with full transparency.
Whilst we may not fully understand or be able to control or anticipate which creatures will move into a Coppiced woodland, we do know that this system provides the necessary niches, space and habitat to encourage, foster and support a wide range of wildlife. Many of which are on the decline. Who knows what might happen?