Muintir na Coille Co-operative Society Ltd.
in association with Nature School present
An Introduction to Coppice Silviculture and Related Craft
An introduction to a sustainable, ecological and profitable management system.
Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management which takes advantage of the fact that many trees make new growth from the stump or roots if cut down. In a coppiced wood, young tree stems are repeatedly cut down to near ground level. In subsequent growth years, many new shoots will emerge, and, after a number of years the coppiced tree, or stool, is ready to be harvested, and the cycle begins again.
Typically a coppiced woodland is harvested in sections or coups on a rotation. In this way, a crop is
available each year somewhere in the woodland. Coppicing has the effect of providing a rich variety of habitats, as the
woodland always has a range of different-aged coppice growing in it, which is beneficial for biodiversity.
The cycle length depends upon the species cut, the local custom, and the use to which the product is put.
Course description
The coppice silviculture course runs for four consecutive days and is designed to give trainees
a practical introduction to coppice management.
Trainees have the opportunity to learn the ecological and economic benefits of coppice management while
also gaining hands on experience of coppicing using hand tools. Exercises include cutting and grading material,
layering stems and planting new stools.
Date: Coppice course can be run in October/November or February each year depending on demand.
Venues: Enniscoe House, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo &
Laughtavarry, Ballyvary, Co. Mayo
Cost : €285 when booked with National Organic Training Skillnet for R.O.I residents
(Bookings to Seàn McGloin info@nots.ie)
12 places available
For N.I. residents Contact Joe or Paul below either by phone or via our contact form
Course content:
Coppice Silviculture in Woodland Management History, Ecology and Economics in Ireland and Britain.
Introduction to Literature, Craft and recent projects.
Field trips at Enniscoe and Ballyvary woodlands.
Practical Coppice work and craft at Laughtavarry hazelwood.
A knowledge of the common tree species in Ireland is recommended.
Students work in pairs on days 3 and 4.
Lunch is not provided, so please bring packed lunch for outdoor sessions.
Bring personal protective equipment e.g steel toecap boots, helmet, safety glasses, gloves, rain gear.
Self catering accommodation is available at Enniscoe Courtyard at €25 per person per night.
Contact:
Joe Gowran 00 353 (0)87 7428084
Postal addresses:
NOTS, Enterprise Centre, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim
Muintir na Coille, Drumcliff South, Co. Sligo
Nature School, Laughtavarry, Ballyvary, Co. Mayo
Enniscoe House, Castlehill, Ballina, Co. Mayo
Trainees also have the opportunity to participate in traditional woodland crafts. These vary from course to course
but typically include small batch charcoal production, wattle hurdle making and ash riving.
All aspects of the coppice system are covered including:
Course objectives (in a nutshell)
in association with Nature School present
An Introduction to Coppice Silviculture and Related Craft
An introduction to a sustainable, ecological and profitable management system.
Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management which takes advantage of the fact that many trees make new growth from the stump or roots if cut down. In a coppiced wood, young tree stems are repeatedly cut down to near ground level. In subsequent growth years, many new shoots will emerge, and, after a number of years the coppiced tree, or stool, is ready to be harvested, and the cycle begins again.
Typically a coppiced woodland is harvested in sections or coups on a rotation. In this way, a crop is
available each year somewhere in the woodland. Coppicing has the effect of providing a rich variety of habitats, as the
woodland always has a range of different-aged coppice growing in it, which is beneficial for biodiversity.
The cycle length depends upon the species cut, the local custom, and the use to which the product is put.
Course description
The coppice silviculture course runs for four consecutive days and is designed to give trainees
a practical introduction to coppice management.
Trainees have the opportunity to learn the ecological and economic benefits of coppice management while
also gaining hands on experience of coppicing using hand tools. Exercises include cutting and grading material,
layering stems and planting new stools.
Date: Coppice course can be run in October/November or February each year depending on demand.
Venues: Enniscoe House, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo &
Laughtavarry, Ballyvary, Co. Mayo
Cost : €285 when booked with National Organic Training Skillnet for R.O.I residents
(Bookings to Seàn McGloin info@nots.ie)
12 places available
For N.I. residents Contact Joe or Paul below either by phone or via our contact form
Course content:
Coppice Silviculture in Woodland Management History, Ecology and Economics in Ireland and Britain.
Introduction to Literature, Craft and recent projects.
Field trips at Enniscoe and Ballyvary woodlands.
Practical Coppice work and craft at Laughtavarry hazelwood.
A knowledge of the common tree species in Ireland is recommended.
Students work in pairs on days 3 and 4.
Lunch is not provided, so please bring packed lunch for outdoor sessions.
Bring personal protective equipment e.g steel toecap boots, helmet, safety glasses, gloves, rain gear.
Self catering accommodation is available at Enniscoe Courtyard at €25 per person per night.
Contact:
Joe Gowran 00 353 (0)87 7428084
Postal addresses:
NOTS, Enterprise Centre, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim
Muintir na Coille, Drumcliff South, Co. Sligo
Nature School, Laughtavarry, Ballyvary, Co. Mayo
Enniscoe House, Castlehill, Ballina, Co. Mayo
Trainees also have the opportunity to participate in traditional woodland crafts. These vary from course to course
but typically include small batch charcoal production, wattle hurdle making and ash riving.
All aspects of the coppice system are covered including:
- History (chronological and social)
- Coppice theory and methodology
- Productivity and yield
- Canopy management (light values)
- Health and safety
Course objectives (in a nutshell)
- To assist in increasing the biodiversity of Irish native woodlands
- To increase and improve the quality of coppice silviculture in Irish native woods
- To improve the quality of woodland work and craftsmanship through training and education
- To assist in creating rural employment by increasing demand for coppice materials and products
- To show the value of native woodlands, with benefit to the workforce and the woodland owner
A discussion about Billhooks with tutor Eoin Donnelly and GMIT forestry students at one of the first Introduction to coppice silviculture courses at Ballykilcavan Wood, Stradbally, Co. Laois. The Rustic scene includes Mark Wilson in the foreground.
