Coppicing and Creating with Robert Sowter
Coppicing is one of the ancient ways of wood harvesting,in this case cutting the multi stemmed rods growing from each of the stools, at usually a few inches above ground level depending on time lapse since the last cut,this in turn encourages a new vigorous regrowth for a future crop.
We cut, grade and maximise to the full potential, all the different sized timbers that have germinated, over a period of time, and we use them on conservation projects, like hedgelaying, fence making or even supplying keen gardeners and allotment holders in the area (Croydon/Bromley) with pea sticks, bean poles etc.
Coppied Stool / Four years regrowth next to recently Coppiced Stools
We harvest the materials after getting written permission from the local authorities,so we are conforming to their rotation management plan for that wood, because if you don't, you will be prosecuted for destroying these precious and under threat sites, and that could be up to £20,000 at 2009 prices.
This coppicing is done on a rotational basis, known as a cycle, and happens during the winter months only.
The cycle of years is like going around the face of a clock, where each hour denotes one year. We harvest a one hour slice per year, leaving the rest of the clock face un touched. In this case it will take you twelve years to complete the full rotation and start again.
Rob sitting on a Stakes/Binders Harvest (All hand cut) / Hedge Staking and Weaving with the same Hazel Rods
With some of our coupe sites they are on a nine year rotation,so the time scale may vary elsewhere depending on the management plan for that wood.
Over the thousands of years of this annual craft happening, wildlife has adapted to these different age structures being created,allowing the flora and fauna to increase in number within its niche density.
In Suffolk they came across a continuously coppiced hazel stand, and aged them at 2,500 years of life and still going strong from the same root stock. So you see when we take a harvest, we do not kill the trees.
As long as the tradition continues,the cycle of life will benefit,but and there's always a but, we are living in an age where this coppicing craft is being used less and less and the timbers have now missed at least five clock face rotations or around 60 years of neglect.
The woods are going dark and the diverse life system is being lost.
The Thicker material is cut for fire logs or made into Charcoal
Bearing all that in mind,the high concentration of people now using these small pockets of land are observing this craft for the first time, and seeing thick timbers of up to six inches (6") in diameter or more being cut with chainsaws,which was never the traditional method!
It was a much thinner material of between 3/4" (19mm) and an one inch (25mm) diameter (depending on local market demands),and we used no more than a very sharp billhook,slicing in an upward under cut stroke towards the stool,which is all so very quiet in comparison!
When you work with an experienced team like us on a daily basis and the site is being harvested correctly,the general public get to know you and understand the storey better as it unfolds before their eyes.
Under Threat Stag Beetles / Native Bluebells
(Both protected by law)
They become more aware that we are helping the planet to survive in our own small way, for the next growth of rods will absorb allot more carbon dioxide from the air with their vigorous re germination.
We are growing living air filters for free,using an old traditional craft in a modern world.
I could write thousands of words but the only way to truly understand the enjoyment and practicality of coppicing is for you to come out and experience it first hand.
Therefore if you are 18 years or older and would like to volunteer your time with us to learn an old craft please get in contact,all product sales come back into this project to cover future operational costs.
If you know of any local allotment holders,keen gardeners etc who want our products,then please pass on our details.
I look forward to meeting you all, and enjoying with us this outdoor classroom environment which is far better than those stuffy offices!
Rose Arches and Picket Fencing / Flexible Hazel Binding Weave