Although the coppice was verging on being overstood, a decent number of good stakes were harvested , along with a few binders. An area about the size of a tennis court was cleared and should produce excellent material in the future , as deer are unlikely to be a problem in this well used area of public open space.
All who attended really enjoyed themselves – we were outside , being productive and getting exercise for free. It was helped by being such a warm and sunny day. In many ways coppicing is much more social than hedgelaying and less intense.
It was great to see new members Alan and Peter join in with enthusiasm and we look forward to seeing them again at TD1.The longest travelled award goes to Peter and Pat from Essex- many thanks to both.
Thanks also must go to Bob Hunt, who collected the stakes and binders and has them in storage ready for TD1.
The total of our efforts was 310 stakes and 160 binders , which means we have an awful lot more to gather during the season to match our requirements of over 3600 of each.
The next coppicing event is again at Blunts Wood on Saturday 2 November- please can members do all they can to be there and make a contribution to the Society. Let Phill Piddell know if you can make it.
Matthew Beard