The April work day took place on 28th March to avoid Easter. Finishing the coppicing work in the Hazel Copse that was started back in February.
The copse was planted about 10 years ago with the intention of coppicing the Hazels on a 10 year rotation. Given how fast they have grown we may now move to a 4 year rotation.
The intention is to leave nice clean cuts near the ground that will produce re-growth during the coming year. We were a little late in the year fininshing the cutting, with sap running from the cuts.
The hazels cut back a couple of years ago are regrowing well.
The coppiced wood was divided into three, larger pieces with interesting shapes will be used for garden furniture, smaller pieces will be used in hazel hurdles, and the remainder was used to reinforce the hedge to keep out the sheep.
The copse after we had finished for the day.
Transport to the willow weavers of Alsager.
