27 cutters assembled for the 8am briefing lead by Tim , after which we trooped off across the field to the farthest part of the wood.
Cutters were split in to 5 teams lead by Iain, Kevin, Dave , Frank and Alan, which were also the chainsaw operatives, cutting stems.
It took a little while to makes sense of the wood perimeter and work through the less favourable material and initially it did seem like we were producing material to put on the 2 fires that were quickly established.
A good number of cutters were inexperienced but enthusiastic and it took a while for them to truly get the hang of what was an acceptable stake and binder. It should be recognised that this is not an easy skill to learn , but vitally important, as the quality of product can greatly affect the outturn of a laid hedge.
From mid morning onwards a rhythm and pattern developed , much aided by having 3 sorting/ bundling /tying stations , resulting in a steady flow of product to the dispatch point.
All cutters stuck to their tasks extremely well, much aided by the hot food offering provided by the Society.
In all 440 stakes and 550 binders were harvested, bundled and taken off site, ready for TD3 and Improver's Day. Not only that , an area of coppice was cleared about the size of a tennis court, which will bring light into the floor of the forest , increase biodiversity and assist the landowner in sustainably managing the woodland.
Pearcelands wood is well worth visiting next time you are at Wakehurst Place , as the efforts of many years of sustainable management are coming to fruition , with a wood rich in native flora and fauna; the willow sculptures are impressive .
Thanks must go to Tim for leading the day and to Russell from the landowners for ferrying around tools , equipment and product , as without his help we would have struggled. Thanks should also go to those cutters who travelled long distances to attend- Peter and Pat from Ilford and Gwyn from Lyndhurst.
All in all, a productive , fun and informative day was had by all.
Next Society events are :-
- Training Day 3- location TBC - 2 December 2023; contact Frank Wright [email protected]
- Coppicing Day 2 - Haywards Heath- 29 December 2023; contact Matthew Beard [email protected]
- Improver's Day - location TBC- 6 January 2024; contact Frank Wright [email protected]