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Springtime in the Hazel Coppice

Chris Sperring is joined by botonist Andy Byfield and coppicer David Partridge on a tour of a Dorset hazel coppice, where recently cut areas are awash with springtime flowers.

The ancient tradition of coppicing, the periodic cutting of trees and allowing the stumps to regrow, was once common throughout lowland Britain but has been on the wane since the late 1800's. The mosaic habitat of coppiced woodland provides opportunities for a wide variety of wildlife to thrive. With more light reaching the forest floor, recently cut areas are awash with springtime flowers. As the trees regrow they provide habitat for the sleepy and secretive dormouse and many woodland butterflies. Presenter Chris Sperring visits a traditionally managed hazel coppice in Dorset and is joined by coppicer David Partridge and botanist Andy Byfield. As David describes this ancient form of woodland management Andy identifies the woodland plants that are given breathing space by this vanishing tradition.
Produced by Ellie Sans.

Available now

22 minutes

Last on

Sun 11 May 2014 06:35

Broadcast

  • Sun 11 May 2014 06:35

Natural Histories

Natural Histories

Nature that has had a profound impact on human culture and society across history.