TQ5927 : Coppicing, Vicarage Wood
taken 15 years ago, near to Coggins Mill, East Sussex, England

Vicarage Wood is a mixed broadleaf and conifer woodland just north of Mayfield. The woods have been extensively coppiced. The route of an old turnpike route runs through the wood.
Coppicing is a management technique of cutting trees and shrubs to ground level allowing vigorous regrowth and a sustainable supply of timber for future generations.
Trees and shrubs that are cut down in this way can produce shoots that grow over 30cm in a week.
The benefits of coppicing are varied, including promoting ground vegetation (by letting light in), raw materials for thatching, fencing, kindling and charcoal making. Also coppiced trees live longer than non coppiced trees. All trees can be coppiced, but hazel, ash, lime and beech are common.
