Coppicing

An interesting thread has opened up on the Facebook page “You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if….” on Coppicing on Darnford Park, Lichfield, in recent days.

Lots of criticism, me included, has been levelled (no pun intended)on why trees by the dozen have been cut down and the impact it would have on noise level and householders on nearby Boley Park. Thanks to the considerable knowledge and expertise of Brownhills Bob who explained that coppicing is merely woodland management, needed because so many of the trees are so large now and that cutting them down would actually improve the areas of woodland, have made light of our criticisms based on aesthetic appearances only. With Bob’s permission, this website explains it much better than I can, thanks for that.

www.coppice.co.uk





 

So, should we sit in on a miserable, wet, windy afternoon or take puppydog off for a walk to investigate? The latter won, having been put under a certain amount of pressure by staring puppydog. How do you say ‘not today??’

It was fascinating. We arrived to find Burton Conservation Volunteers actually laying the hedgerows both in Darnford Lane and in Cappers Lane. One chap said he had just come out today for ‘something to do’ and ended up laying a hedge and thrilled to go back home and try the new found skills out in his own back garden.

Puppydog keen to join.















                                  

The finished hedge.

        Beautiful red camellia in a garden, can now be admired by all.



Apparently coppicing will open up the trees to light which will ensure the ecosystem continues to do well and promote diversity. Many thanks, Bob, I am now a lot more knowledgeable and look forward to watching the hedges grow and trees start to thicken out in years to come.