After amazing team effort from the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Swindon Borough Council Wardens and incredible group of volunteers, we have finished planting a new Coppice Orchard in Lydiard Park. More than 2,000 trees were planted, with almost 40 different species used.

But what is a Coppice Orchard? 

In simple terms, an orchard is an area planted with fruit trees to produce a crop. For us, instead of growing fruit, we are producing a range of wood products using coppice management. 

Let’s dive into coppicing and the types of products we will be producing.

What is coppicing?

Coppicing is an ancient form of woodland management in which you fell the tree at ground level, while leaving the stump—known as a stool—alive so that new shoots can regrow from it. This ability to regenerate repeatedly makes coppicing a sustainable and long‑lasting system of wood production when carried out correctly. Many broadleaf tree species respond well to coppicing, producing multiple straight stems after cutting. In the UK, the main species which are commonly coppiced include Hazel, Willow, Birch and Sweet Chestnut. 

There is evidence that people have been using the practice of coppicing for over 6,000 years, dating back to the Neolithic period. Over this long time span, repeated cutting and regrowth have shaped woodland ecosystems so extensively that many species of flora and fauna have adapted specifically to this form of management. 

When an area of woodland is coppiced, the removal of the canopy allows sunlight to reach the woodland floor. This increase in light and warmth creates ideal conditions for woodland wildflowers such as Bluebells, Primroses, and Wood Anemones to establish and thrive. In turn, these flowering plants provide vital nectar and habitat for butterflies, bees, and a wide range of other insects, which then support birds, mammals, and the wider food chain. 

Because coppice is traditionally cut in small sections on a rotational basis to ensure a regular supply of wood products, the woodland develops a patchwork of different growth stages. Each stage—from freshly cut open ground to dense young regrowth and mature standards—offers distinct habitats and resources, greatly increasing the overall biodiversity of the woodland.

What will we produce?

Throughout British history, coppicing has been central to rural life, with the wood being a key fuel and construction material. The new Coppice Orchard will produce a range of wood products that we will be using for different preposes.

We have planted a range of different coloured Willow, from bright green to black. This Willow can be used for weaving, baskets and other items. Hazel can be used for making fencing hurdles, bean rods and more, and Sweet Chestnut can be used in fencing. 

As the Coppice Orchard develops, we will be able to get even more wood products from the site. 

Each of the species that have been planted grow at different speeds, meaning we can manage the Orchard on a rotation basis. For example, Hazel is traditionally coppiced every 7-10 years, while Willow is a lot quicker on a 2- 3 year rotation, and Sweet Chestnut has a longer rotation of 12-20 years. Having this mixed rotation means each year something different can be cut at the Coppice Orchard, providing a varied and sustainable habitat structure. 

The Orchard will be mainly managed and coppiced by local volunteers, with help from the Swindon Bourgh Council Wardens. We should be able to start harvesting material from the Dogwood and Willow in late 2027 - so check back next year for a chance to get involved!