Stop 6 Willow coppice. You have arrived in true (bird) paradise. Have some rest. Listen to the birds and read on.

Coppicing is the practice of cutting down trees in such a way that it encourages lots of healthy,

vigorous, new growth at the base of the plant. It’s an ancient way of harvesting wood,

without killing the tree! We harvest on a 7 year rotation, to provide the farm year

after year with ramial chipped wood, firewood, and other useful timber.

Willows have a unique relationship with several species, including the Willow Warbler (a favourite

host for Cuckoos) and the Purple Admiral Butterfly. They flower in March, providing a valuable source of nectar for our native bees at a crucial time of year. Plus, their leaf litter, fine twigs and fluffy catkins are used by all manner of birds, mammals and insects to make their homes.

Our Willow Coppice is home to The Bazzard Sweatlodge. Make enquiries with Andy Chapp at Hardwick.

This part of the field regularly floods during the winter as the River Thames reaches this far. The willow coppice has speeded up the drying of this area and allows us to grow crops on the adjoining land that in some years would not be possible.