Coppice Restoration: Embracing tradition to enrich biodiversity
Imagine a woodland bursting with life, where the air hums with the sound of insects and birdsong, and the ground is carpeted with wildflowers.
At Earth Trust, we’re embarking on an inspiring project to transform a neglected coppice coupe at Little Wittenham Wood into a thriving, species-rich habitat that enhances biodiversity and connects people with the power of sustainable woodland management and traditional crafts.
Funded by the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment through the Local Environment Fund, which supports Oxfordshire communities in taking action to restore nature and promote public access to green spaces, this project showcases the power of connecting people with nature.
Background
Nestled within our cherished Little Wittenham Wood lies a hidden gem – a 1.76-hectare coppice that holds immense potential. Once a source of materials for traditional hedgelaying crafts, this area has been left to nature’s own devices for some time. As stewards of this land, we recognise the importance of balancing natural processes with careful management to maximise biodiversity and community engagement.
In the absence of regular cutting, brambles and nettles have flourished and the resident deer population, poses challenges for the coppice’s delicate regrowth.
What We Are Doing
Together with our community, we’re seizing the opportunity to restore this precious space. We are working with our passionate volunteers and involving local schoolchildren to:
- Plant 460 hazel trees to revitalise the coppice and 136 sweet chestnut trees for sustainable fencing
- Protect the young trees with a robust deer fence, utilising a metal fence which has a lower carbon cost over its lifetime than softwood timber
- Train and empower a dedicated team of volunteer coppice workers to ensure ongoing rotational management and production of a variety of woodland products
- Host a vibrant programme of events and training courses, inviting the public to discover the joys of woodland skills and crafts.
By involving the community in every aspect of the restoration, from planting to crafting, we aim to ignite a passion for the natural world and demonstrate the vital role of sustainable woodland management in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
The Impact
The restored coppice coupe will burst into life, a mosaic of habitats supporting a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Ground flora will paint the woodland floor, while butterflies, birds, and dormice thrive in the absence of deer browsing pressure.
This project goes beyond ecological restoration; it is a catalyst for change. Our community will gain hands-on experience in woodland management, forging a deep connection with nature. The coppice will serve as a living classroom, showcasing sustainable practices and traditional crafts, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
“Well-managed coppice can be really amazing habitats for all kinds of species”
Tim Read, Countryside Manager at Earth Trust
To ensure the long-term success of this project, we’ll be conducting regular surveys of the coppice’s flora and fauna, using rigorous scientific methods to track changes in biodiversity. Butterfly and dormouse monitoring will provide valuable data on the health of the ecosystem, while our long-running bird-ringing scheme will track avian populations. All of this information will be shared with the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre, contributing to a growing body of knowledge about our region’s wildlife.
Through Countryside Stewardship and the reinvestment of income from coppice products and events, Earth Trust will ensure the long-term vitality of this precious woodland habitat.
By harnessing the power of accessible green spaces, we aim to inspire people to take action, addressing the urgent challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and human wellbeing. This coppice restoration project is a testament to the transformative potential of connecting people with nature, one green space at a time.