The living classroom is situated at Hillcombe Coppice in Bonsley Wood, which is situated off the A357 in Durweston. 

This area of woodland is managed by the members of the Dorse Coppice Group. 

What is Coppicing? 

Coppicing woodlands is a truly sustainable practice involving the harvesting of the underwood species i.e. hazel; while maintaining the higher canopy through the careful stewardship of larger standards such as oaks.

For thousands of years man has made good use of this natural resource, discovering that many rods would grow from the stump of a tree he had previously felled. Coppice stumps or stools are completely self-renewing and capable of living indefinitely as long as they are not overshadowed by timber trees.
In numerous Dorset woodlands there are stools up to a thousand years old. This is a completely sustainable form of management as in many cases these stools are as productive now as when first coppiced. It can be stated that our woodsmen forefathers were the first true conservationists; harvesting poles yet preserving their woodlands without the need for planting in continuous shade. Primroses and other spring flowers flourish in the years of light; they also require years of shade to suppress the tall grasses and other non-woodland plants, which would overwhelm them outside the woods.

For more information on our Training Courses, Open Days and Events Programme contact:-
www.dorsetcoppicegroup.org.uk
info@dorsetcoppicegroup.co.uk
Tel: 01259 482200

  All text and photographs by courtesy of the Dorset Coppice Group.