Hazel Copse

Hazel copse is a traditional woodland area where hazel trees are cut near ground level on a 7 to 15 years rotation, encouraging vigorous regrowth for sustainable timber, fencing and garden material.  This ancient method, called coppicing  produces straight flexible poles ideal for hurdle making, thatch spars, and plant supports while promoting biodiversity. A forest or grove that has been subject to coppicing is called copse.

Hazel is often grown as an understorey beneath larger Oak or ash trees. They are cut in winter because it reduces decay in poles. Known for producing flexible wands hazel is used for wattle and hurdles for fencing, beanpoles and walking sticks.  Mass cutting allows light to reach the woodland floors, benefitting wild flowers and dormice. 

Similar process is carried out at a higher level is called pollarding. This is done to prevent grazing animals from eating new shoots. 

Dormice:  Small nocturnal Old World rodents known for their long hibernation periods of six or more months. They are agile arboreal (creatures living on trees) climbers. They resemble small mice with furry tails. Native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. 

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