Creation of a Coppice Woodland

As part of Stroud Town Council's local actions to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies, we have recently planted two small "coppice" woodlands (or copses), one at Uplands Playing Field and another at The Leazes Playing Field. These copses will contribute towards the council's carbon reduction target, improve wildlife habitat and add much needed plant diversity to both parks.

These modest areas of woodland will provide valuable food, shelter and movement resources for many different species of insects, birds and mammals, as well as creating pleasant places to walk or simply take-five. These new copses will provide opportunities for education and learning about our natural world and for volunteers to help with the task of managing the sites through coppicing.

All of the tree guards and mulch mats used are made from natural materials, so the trees will be protected through their establishment period without the need for plastics or herbicides.

We are very grateful to CPRE Gloucestershire for providing a grant from their Tree Planting Fund, which helped pay for the trees.

Read more about this project.