Coppicing

The Hedge Man will undertake coppicing on any scale subject to site inspection and for any end-purpose. Work is undertaken in the winter and ends around the end of March begining of April.

Coppicing is a sustainable form of woodland management, and is a suitable method that produces rapidly growing wood with no need to replant.
Coppicing dates back for thousands of years. Most of the woodlands in Sussex and Surrey were managed as coppice by the mid 13th Century. It began its declined in Britain in the 1850s due to a decrease in demand for traditional products. Most native hardwood trees in Britain coppice easily. See below for some examples of coppicing woods and their uses.

Hazel

Hurdles
Thatching spars
Bean and pea sticks
Walking sticks

Tool handles
Gates and tent pegs

Laths
Fencing materials
Gates
Tiles
Small timber

Sweet Chestnut

Fence posts
Cleft rails
Stakes
Walking Sticks

All of the above can be used for charcoal and rustic furniture

The economic value and use of coppicing is gradually increasing. Also, it has become an important factor for conservation. Coppice woodlands can support a large variety of trees. This can allow varying levels of sunlight to reach the woodland floor. They also support a large variety of plant and animal life. Many plants and animals have grown dependent on coppice woodlands for their survival.

News

UPDATE JULY 2010

Hedge survey work for Defra continues - and hedges are looking good throughout Yorkshire. I have been east to Ravenscar and west to Ingleton over the past few weeks - the countryside has never looked so good..... but everyone wants and needs rain.

A good number of quotations/specifications are at an advanced stage for the 2010 - 2011 season, so dont forget - The Hedge Man is always available to make site visits and to give firm written quotations and detailed specification for practical hedge work for next season or beyond, and for advice and commercial consultancy at any time. Do phone me, Allan Roberts, on 07930 90 46 17 with any questions or requirements, or email me from the contacts page. All enquiries will be dealt with promptly, BUT - PLEASE NOTE I WILL BE ON HOLIDAY AND WILL NOT BE TAKING PHONE CALLS OR RESPONDING TO EMAILS FROM 16 TO 26 JULY.

Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Allan Roberts

The Hedge Man