Recently, I attended a coppice workshop at Rawhaw Wood. You'll see no pictures of coppicing because, sadly, I had to leave for work. Still, I was really delighted to be there for the morning as it is an amazing place. Huw and Carolyn, who manage it, are wonderful people.
Thirty years ago, they bought the wood with the intention of restoring an overgrown coppice into a commercial coppice and that's what they've done. It may have been hard work, with many years spent living in a caravan, but they love the place and the work and are truly inspiring.
Over the time they have been there, they've seen a dramatic increase in biodiversity - especially the ground flora. That surely leads to greater diversity of invertebrates.
I really loved it.
As in most coppices, there are some big trees as well as all the hazel. This is the burr-covered trunk of a large oak.
And here is another ash with an intriguing base!!
One of the attendees was fascinated by fungi and as he collected and inspected them, he handed them to me to sniff. It was so beautiful to recognise a pure passion.
Another had volunteered with Carolyn and Huw last winter. An artist, he too is passionate about woodland.
It was a life-affirming experience. I loved how everyone shared in each other's enthusiasm. I loved that Carolyn has named two trees (I wanted to see the "Cuddly Oak" but didn't get a chance). I loved their house and composting toilet and how lightly they tread on this precious earth.
I read more at the link - the About and the products. Hurrah for them and their worthwhile efforts! (Though I feel like a soft and old small-city person and find it hard to imagine living that way🤔) ps Lovely burr-oak photo.