A section of coppiced hazel,Corylus avellana,within Ashwellthorpe Wood,an Ancient woodland in Norfolk,UK.The pictures show the development of many small poles from the base of the tree,which was cut to the ground 5 years before this pictures was taken. It also shows the early growth of the ground layer; here - in April - with Wood anemones,Anemone nemorosa,already in flower ( white ).Coppicing is an ancient method of woodland management. Scattered trees ( the standards ) are allowed to grow to maturity in order to yield timber,and the understorey trees (the coppice) are cut to the ground on a periodic basis with an interval of around 10 years.The trees in this picture will be allowed to grow for several years before their small wood is next harvested for hurdles,fencing,basket-making and firewood |