Coppicing season is here! 🌳
From this week, our regular park volunteers and corporate groups are busy at work around the Great Broad. You will see the landscape changing and new views opening up as a result of this work, although that is not the reason this work happens here every year,
What is coppicing and why do we do it?
This is the information poster we display during coppicing season for public information:
Our volunteers coppice mainly willow and alder growth around the entire Great Broad every three years as part of the park's vital maintenance schedule. Trained staff use chainsaws to take down larger material, and volunteers use bow saws and loppers to process thinner material down for burning. We have to give extra consideration to burning this year following the extremely dry summer we have had. It may be necessary to chip the coppiced material instead.
How do we make sure this happens safely?
Volunteer safety
Our volunteers and visiting groups are all provided with a safety briefing before starting the task, and are given all necessary equipment including helmets and ear defenders when needed. They also have gloves and high-visibility jackets to wear during the working day.
Safety PPE modelled by today's Aviva group in these photos:
Fire safety
Every time we start a controlled fire for burning waste material from trees, we notify fire control so they are aware this is a deliberate fire site for a specific purpose. Our fires are attended until they are out and safe, before being taped off for public safety and awareness while the embers are still hot.
We have not burnt any material so far this season as we are seeking advice as to when it will be safe to do so. Material may need to be chipped instead until we are able to start controlled burning again.
How can you get involved?
This is always such a popular activity for corporate groups, the dates in October have been booked up for many months! Groups of colleagues love getting stuck in to some hard work on a day out of the office, and return home satisfied and proud that they have made a real difference at the park. The sense of ownership is lovely when you return for a Whitlingham walk and you can see the results of your efforts and say, "I did that".
Do you work at a business where you get allocated volunteering time and want to make a difference here? Do you run a business and wish to consider giving your staff this opportunity?
Get in touch with us and we'll find a suitable date for you to join us. We can take a maximum of 15 people per day for coppicing, and this activity runs all the way from October until February each year.
Whether you're supporting us with your time, or simply enjoying the results of the hard work of others as you explore the park, we hope you have learnt something about what we do and why coppicing is important.
🌳 Let the coppicing season begin!
