West Dean Woods
Traditional hazel coppice woodland with oak standards, and a large colony of wild daffodils
The reserve at West Dean Woods is a great example of how woodlands were managed in the past. The Hazel, sitting amongst the Oak standards, has been coppiced here for hundreds of years and is referred to as coppice or copse in 17th century maps. Coppicing means that small areas of the Hazel are cut to the ground and allowed to re-grow; here we coppice Hazel on a seven year cycle to ensure the perfect size for us to cut and use for fencing products.
West Dean Woods a working woodland on a private estate, and access is restricted to those working the coppice or carrying out scientific research.
- Postcode:
- PO18 0RU
- Grid ref:
- SU845154
- Reserve size:
- 17 hectares