Coppicing & Conservation
My catalogue collection was developed through research into coppicing within my Masters. Coppicing is an ancient method of woodland management where trees are cut just above ground level. Harvestable, straight-growing ‘rods’ re-sprout vigorously from the stump, providing the next crop of wood. The process is repeated every seven years or so to give a sustainable crop of usable wood. Managed correctly in this way, this resource is inexhaustible.
There is evidence to suggest that coppicing has been practiced in the UK for over 1000 years, and it was a thriving industry up until the late 19th Century. Coppiced wood was used for a variety of different applications including charcoal, furniture, wattle hurdles, and many simple, functional objects such as tool handles and fencing stakes. Woodmen and Bodgers are now scarce but the skills still survive through a handful of dedicated enthusiasts, but only just.
Please go to the following links to learn more about this ancient and wonderfully sustainable process of harvesting wood.
