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Greenwood craft relies on the supply of the natural resource produced through
traditional woodland management called coppicing. The coppice industry relies
upon the greenwood craft market to maintain an economic value in woodlands.
These two industries have worked in synergy for thousands of years and through
this relationship have shaped both the cultural and natural landscape. The craft
of coppicing creates a simple woodland management plan that has been faithfully
followed through generations and which has led to a unique habitat where
specialist wildlife species survive in harmony with the coppice cycle. However
coppice woodlands are not recognised within Biodiversity Action Plans as unique
species rich habitats which is enjoyed by other management led habitats.
Coppicing is referred to as a management prescription to promote specific
species. Although this may appear as a subtle difference the emphasis is placed
on the species rather than the habitat leading to a general misinterpretation of
the true craft of coppicing and relatively short term species led management
plans.
The coppicing and greenwood craft industry in the UK has been in serious decline
over the last century. The estimated 250,000 hectares of coppice woodland that
existed in the mid nineteenth century has declined to the current 22,000
hectares which has led to the loss of natural habitat for specific woodland
species The effect on the prosperity of associated coppice woodland species is
multiplied by the limited size of remaining woods and the loss of connectivity
between suitable woods.
There exists a link between the success of a sustainable greenwood craft
industry and the long term success and security of the associated bio-diversity.
The project aims to secure long term management agreements for coppice workers
and promote exemplar sites within each county, develop national marketing
strategies such as National Beanpole week and develop a National Federation of
Coppice workers.
For further information please contact Richard Thomason on
01952 432769, groundsforconservation@hotmail.com
The project has been funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.
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