Welcome to the website of the Sussex And Surrey Coppice Group. We hope you will find it interesting. My name is Clive Cobie and I have recently been lucky enough to become chairman of the SSCG.
 
Our objectives have always been to promote a better understanding of the rural crafts, most of which are connected to Coppice Woodlands , it seems strange but some of the rural craft are in danger of extinction , one reason is because they are not part of local community where as in days gone by the rural crafts would be integral to the communities life, If we drive into the countryside, we often see ancient coppice that has grown into interesting shaped branches the dense canopy shades the Woodland floor which doesn’t allow the dormant seeds to germinate, however, when a Coppice is bought back into rotation, a wonderful thing happens as sunshine warms the Woodland floor this initiates the growth of the dormant seeds that often haven’t flowered in that area for many decades, when areas are brought back into rotation there is then a great flush of growth , as the soil is enlivened and the warmth of the Sun encourages greater activity in the soil the stools ( stubs left after cutting the multi stemmed shrub) flush with new growth in amongst the vibrant blooms of annuals and perennials which in turn feed the pollinators. Hundreds of tree seedlings are now easily seen, all these seedling trees are connected to the mycorrhizal ( fungi) connections within the soil and so are supported with water and nutrients even in drought conditions.
In this age of worry and concern whereby one of the most important things we can do is to plant trees it seems a no brainer to reintroduce the art of coppicing. So as chairman I am going to do my best to promote a better understanding of why we should cut the copse, not only for the rotation of biodiversity but also for a better understanding of the many interests connected with woodland and how they can help connect citizens.
We will be adding many of these as we progress. We will also be visiting working woodlands and noting the abundance of wildlife. I hope you can find something that interests you.
Coppicing is one of the easiest ways to become an integral part of nature , by managing and encouraging nature to flourish.
 
 Clive Cobie 
Chairman sscg.
.14 August 2024.