How is the coppice cut?
As outlined in the ‘What is coppice section’, coppicing is the cutting of a tree at just above ground level to encourage the regrowth from this point. There are many theories about the height at which coppice should be cut, but most of the old coppice workers will tell you that it should be less than a foot above ground level or the stems will blow over in the first winter. The tools of the trade have changed little over the centuries although in the latter half of the 20th century the chainsaw has become more common among the coppice workers. Many still use a bill hook or axe on the better rods as there is less risk of damaging them during cutting. Once cut the billhook is the tool of choice to process the products. Produce of coppice woodland Coppice products have been used in Britain since man first realised that when he cut down a tree it sprouted from the base.
