The Environment

“All of our wood is sourced from local coppice and managed woods near Canterbury. Sustainable cropping plans ensure a continuous supply for the future. The CO₂ produced when burning the logs is locked up by the vigorous regrowth of the coppice woodland. Combined with our local customer base, this keeps our carbon foot print to a minimum. Our work helps maintain the flora, fauna and character of the North Downs.”

What is coppicing?

Coppicing is the ancient craft of woodland management that involves repeated felling of trees to just above the ground and has been practiced since the stone age! After coppicing, the established root system acts as a powerhouse for regrowth and the trees regenerate at an amazing rate. Coppicing also greatly extends the tree’s life and keeps the tree young. Our plants, wildlife and insects have evolved to be dependent upon their habitats being coppiced every 14 to 40 years, depending on use, tree type and ground conditions.

How does coppicing increase flora and fauna?

After coppicing, the sunlight warms the ground and the forest floor seed bank can germinate. Germination gives a succession of beautiful wild flowers and new trees. Plants such as bluebells begin to thrive since they receive more sunlight and build up their bulb strength. A succession of birds will nest as the tree regrowth reaches their preferred nesting heights. As the density of the tree canopy increases, the wild flowers thrive and a strong young stock of woodland plants, dogs mercury, bluebells and various orchids can be seen in coppiced woods on the North Downs.