Project Title

RE-INTRODUCTION OF COPPICING

Code

CM8

Project summary

Extend coppicing activities to new woodland locations in the Stocksbridge area. Coppicing materials can be used for woodland products (see woodland centre). Needs to fit into the framework of existing woodland policies and plans (i.e. South Yorkshire forest Plan, Forest Plan of the Forestry Authority and SCC Woodlands Policy).

Project management

Divide woodlands into twelve compartments and coppice on a twelve year rotation. If wood is not to be used for woodland products, it can be stacked in small piles within the wood - providing dead wood habitats for invertebrates and for resting and shelter.

Project locations

Large sites.
Sites suitable for coppicing are likely to be on the larger sites. Locally Sheephouse Wood (outside SRB5 area) has seen extensive coppice management and a charcoal burning facility has been established there. Coppicing has been recently carried out at the Woodland Trust's reserve of Bitholmes Wood. Certain areas of Wharncliffe Woods and woodlands in Ewden may also be suitable for future coppicing activities (mainly birch).

Planning permission

NO

Project links

Woodland crafts centre (V1) or Community Gardens (V7). Woodland products could be sold at either or both of these centres.
Environmental stewards (A6) and Young Persons Environment Team (C7) could carry out the work
Heritage and Nature trails (T2, T3).
Community tools (C1).
Community composting (C5) and Recycling centre (E3).
Nature reserve network (V6).

Economic Implications

Funding - set up costs

Low set up costs - tools.

Funding - running costs

The production of woodland products could help to fund the running costs of this project. Extra funding may be gained by applying for woodland management and community grants. Some woodlands are already managed through Woodland Grant Scheme (New Hall Wood, Pot House Wood and Fox Glen since 1994), but their period of funding is up for renewal. Parts of Firth Wood and SCC owned part of Bitholmes Wood are about to be brought into management with Woodland Grant aid.

Employment

This is dependent on other projects. If a woodland centre exists, it should lead this project. A woodland worker could be contracted to carry out the work or it could be the responsibility of the environmental stewards, Young Persons Environment Team and the local community. Local people should be given the opportunity to take part.

Tourism

Coppiced woodland could be used as a tourist attraction, whilst woodland products could be sold as gifts or garden items.

Social Implications

Community involvement

Cutting down trees can be a very emotive issue; good community consultation is, therefore, essential. Attempts to introduce coppicing in New Hall Wood without consultation created controversy. Management requirements of a local population of broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) in this wood needs further investigation. Local residents can be encouraged to help with this work, whilst woodland road shows would engender wider involvement.

Schools involvement

School groups could be encouraged to attend associated woodland road shows and learn about coppicing and woodland products and sustainable management.

Recreational benefits

This project will create greater wildlife interest and give wooded areas a safer, more open feel. Conspicuous management will also make people feel safer.

Environmental Implications

Local Agenda 21

Increases woodland biodiversity by forming glades allowing ground flora to develop and providing a more varied habitat for other animals. Incorporated woodland use and management into the economic mainstream.

Wildlife

Greater habitat variation allowing greater diversity and a reduction in the dominance of non-native species.

Project viability

Constraints

Local opposition to cutting trees down.
Steep gradients on some woodland sites.
Size limitations of some woodlands.