Where we work

 We have a long term coppicing project at Moor Farm, near Morchard Bishop. Our hosts are Wendy and Robert Vere, who have a beautiful organic dairy farm deep in the Mid Devon countryside which includes a large tract of mature mixed woodland along a steep-sided valley.

How do I get to Moor Farm?

 If you don't have your own transport, we can offer lifts from Crediton and possibly some neighbouring parishes.

 Is there any cost to me?

 Apart from that of getting to Moor Farm, no.

What is coppicing?

Coppicing is an ancient system of woodland management. Trees are cut close to the ground on a regular cycle. They regrow from dormant buds at the base of the stump (known as the stool) to create dense stands of multi-stemmed trees. The new stems grow back faster to provide a sustainable timber supply rather than harvesting more mature, thicker timber.

Is coppicing beneficial?

 Coppicing is a popular conservation practice for the benefits it offers to wildlife and to the trees themselves. Trees naturally retrench (shedding their branches to extend their lifespan) and coppicing can be an excellent way of simulating this to increase the life of the tree.

 It also increases woodland biodiversity, as greater amounts of light can reach the ground, allowing other species to grow there. Many of these species are food sources for butterflies and other insects, which in turn provide food for birds, bats and mammals.

 In well managed coppice woodland the varied age structure of the vegetation also provides good habitat and cover for a number of different bird species.

 Areas which we have previously coppiced at Moor Farm provide the living proof of this: specific examples being the increase in butterflies, dormice, and the profusion of bluebells in the spring.

 What skills and aptitude do I need?

 The site is hilly with uneven conditions underfoot, so a decent level of general fitness and mobility is needed. You will be asked to read, understand and sign a risk assessment. You need to be grounded and methodical, aware of your surroundings and mindful of your own safety and the safety of the rest of the team: especially those working near to you.

A tolerance of muddy conditions will help!

What kit do I need?

Warm, at least showerproof, clothing. Sturdy waterproof boots with grippy soles. Work gloves, ideally thorn-proof.

We may be able to lend some tools while you decide if coppicing is for you; the most useful tools are a bow saw, ideally with a raker tooth blade (best for green wood), and loppers. A bill hook is sometimes useful. Last, but not least, a packed lunch and hot drink.

What does a coppicing day look like?

 Our custom has been to have working parties fortnightly on Mondays, from September through to March. We are mindful that this is difficult for those with full time employment and we will do our best to organise weekend sessions if there is demand. Tell us if this applies to you.

 We meet at 10am at Moor Farm and usually finish around 3pm, with breaks for coffee and lunch. We work at a civilised pace which we are comfortable with, is safe, and which allows time for breaks and chat. We cancel in the event of foul weather.

 What happens to the coppiced timber?

 We stack this over the course of the winter and at the end of the season in March, it is divided between those group members who want firewood. There is no charge for this. There is generally a surplus.

Interested? Email John Craythorne via the link on this page