Managing the Countryside for Nature and Public Safety
Recently, we carried out coppicing of some trees beside the road on our farm. We are aware that this has caused concern among some members of the local community, particularly as the work took place along a sunken lane, which is a distinctive and much-valued feature of our area. We would therefore like to explain why this work was undertaken and how such management benefits both wildlife and public safety.
Coppicing is a long-established method of woodland management in Britain. It involves cutting a tree back to its base in order to stimulate new growth from the stool. Far from harming the tree, this process often prolongs its life and encourages healthy, vigorous regeneration.
From our perspective as a farmers and land managers, coppicing plays an important role in supporting biodiversity. When trees are left unmanaged, they can become tall and densely shaded, limiting the growth of plants beneath them. By periodically opening up the canopy, light is able to reach the ground, allowing wildflowers and shrubs to return. These plants then provide food and shelter for insects, birds and small mammals. Many species rely on this mixture of open and sheltered habitat in order to thrive.
There is also an important consideration of public safety. Sunken lanes, by their nature, bring trees and banks very close to the roadway. Over time, trees in these positions can become unstable, overhang the carriageway or restrict visibility. Branches may fall during high winds, and weakened or diseased trees can present a risk to road users and pedestrians. We have a responsibility to manage these risks while preserving the character of the lane.
Some concern has also been expressed about the use of large machinery to carry out this work. In confined spaces such as sunken lanes, modern equipment is often necessary to manage trees safely and efficiently. The use of machinery allows the work to be completed in a shorter period of time, reduces prolonged disruption, and helps ensure that cutting is carried out in a controlled and safe manner for both workers and passing members of the public. While the machinery may appear intrusive, its use enables essential work to be done with the least overall impact.
This work is carried out at appropriate times of year and with careful regard for wildlife, avoiding the bird nesting season. Although the immediate appearance can seem stark, regrowth happens quickly. By spring and summer, new shoots will emerge, and within a few years the trees will once again form a dense and attractive part of the lane.
It is worth remembering that the countryside is not a wilderness left entirely to nature. Much of the landscape we value today has been shaped by active management over many generations. Hedgerows, woodlands and field margins depend on regular care if they are to remain healthy and diverse. Without such intervention, many areas become overgrown, shaded and less beneficial to wildlife.
We care deeply about the land we work and the environment in which we farm. The intention behind this coppicing was not to remove nature, but to renew it: to encourage stronger growth, improve safety and provide better conditions for wildlife. We hope that as the trees regenerate, the long-term benefits of this work will become clear.
Looking after the countryside involves making decisions with future years in mind, even when the short-term appearance may be unexpected. Our aim is always to strike a balance between farming, public safety and the natural environment, so that this landscape can continue to be enjoyed by everyone.
