FOLLOWING an article in the Courier in June, where members of Sustainable Crediton’s Woodland and Hedgerow Group were seeking local areas of small woodland for coppicing work next winter, they have been contacted by the owners of Moor Farm, near Morchard Bishop.

Moor Farm has approximately 50 acres of semi-ancient natural woodland in several lots which need restoring. The wood is a mixture of hazel, ash, oak, beech and chestnut.

Group members, Dave Dann and Charles Mossman, visited the farm early in July and determined that with help from the owners they could make a start coppicing in one area of woodland which has good accessibility.

As part of Sustainable Crediton, key members of the group have been trained to safely use chainsaws to City and Guilds forestry standards and are fully insured.

The benefit to woodland and landowners is an experienced team of volunteers who simply enjoy working outside and practising the skills required to get a good result.

It has been agreed, subject to contract, to start working once a month at Moor Farm from October through to March, 2017, while at the same time continuing to work once a month at Tucking Mill Farm, Zeal Monachorum, doing hedge-laying and coppicing.