The map illustrates our woodland case study with the existing ancient semi-natural woodland (light green) and the adjoining new woodland (light grey).

The ancient semi-natural woodland amounts to 25 acres and until 1994 had become derelict after a period of some forty years without coppicing.

A scheme of restoration was drawn up that allowed for the restoration of the woodland over a twenty year period. Initial work would concentrate on fencing the wood and coppicing the derelict hazel before respacing the oak and ash standards. The first restoration cut began in 1994 in coup 1, with coup 6 being completed in early 1993. The first "in cycle" coppice was cut in late 1999 / early 2000.

In addition to the restoration of the existing woodland it was also decided to create "new" ancient woodland. This would adjoin the ancient semi-natural woodland and planting was to commence as restoration coppicing in the ancient woodland began.

The new woodland was planted in the 10 acre arable field (marked light grey) and was converted under the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS). The initial design was for a matrix of closely spaced hazel to act as an understory to the standard trees. The trees and shrubs were to be planted on a 2 metre spacing in accordance with good aboricultural practice and double that required under scheme rules. In the fullness of time the scheme would provide "new" woodland that would be largely indestinguishable from the ancient woodland adjoining.

The scheme met with the enthusiasm and support of local environmental groups, the Forest Authority and the local County Council. Despite this the scheme was rejected by MAFF who ruled that the matrix of hazel throughout the new planting was inadmissable on the grounds that money could be made from its coppicing during the FWPS life.

Those associted with forestry will understand that coppicing hazel within the 15 years of a FWPS is a cost related activity, not an income generator. Further, that if hazel coppicing was profitable, why had the craft declined to the point where barely a few hundred acres were left in regular cycle and where grant aid was required to maintain the industry?

No matter; the scheme remained rejected until April 1994 when approval was granted subject to the hazel content being lowered to 5% of the overall planting. The story that follows is told at nature's pace.

The full details of this fascinating story are available at the coppicing.com web site.