Hatfield Forest's Coppice Appeal

Hatfield Forest is one of the few places with a near continuous history of coppicing that dates back to medieval times. Our team of coppice volunteers are busy carrying out this ancient tradition of woodland management, but we need your help to provide them with new equipment.

Man chainsawing — The volunteers at Hatfield Forest are in need of new equipment

Coppicing for nature

Why we coppice woodland

Coppicing as an ancient form of woodland management that invigorates the wood, by providing trees and thicket of different ages. As a result, it helps a large variety of wildlife, providing a great home for rare species such as the dormice.

Kingfisher on branch by river Avon at Charlecote Park in Warwickshire

Providing habitats for nature

In recent years our volunteers have also helped us undertake a number of projects at Hatfield Forest to provide improved habitats for kingfishers, terns and reptiles. We also use sheep and cattle to graze the woodland pastures, to keep scrub at bay and improve the quality of the vegetation.

Enhancing biodiversity

Coppicing opens up the forest floor and the thicket quickly takes over. Whilst it's not particularly attractive, ecologically it is very important. The thicket provides an excellent nesting habitat for ground nesting birds like nightingales, as well as a wide range of other species.

Group of fallow deer peacefully grazing — Fallow deer in Hatfield Forest

Hatfield Forest Essex

Support our volunteers with new equipment

The equipment our coppice volunteers use is becoming worn out and needs replacing. To continue to care for this ancient woodland, we need your help to buy practical equipment like chainsaws and thermal imaging cameras, which will help us monitor the health of the deer population.

Donate to Hatfield Forest's Coppice Appeal

Please select an amount

£10 will go towards new monitoring equipment that can help us carry out fauna and flora surveys in the forest.

£37 will buy a new pair of lifting tongs that will ensure manual work is that little bit easier.

£60 will contribute towards the purchase of a new chainsaw to help our volunteers in their task of woodland management.

Or enter your own amount

Managing the woodland of Hatfield Forest

Our volunteers help care for 240 hectares of ancient coppice woodland
It became a National Nature Reserve in 1997 thanks to the volunteers survey work
Hatfield Forest is now home to over 4,000 species of flora and fauna

" Hatfield Forest is a living landscape, where you can still see traditional techniques practiced by local people. The dedication and hard work of our volunteers means that we can continue to provide a range of habitats for wildlife. With this equipment their sterling work can continue."

Why give to the National Trust?

As a charity, we rely on the generosity of supporters to look after the outdoor spaces in our care. Not only do our supporters help to conserve beautiful landscapes and protect precious plants and wildlife. But they also ensure that future generations have places they can find freedom from everyday life, reconnect with the natural world and make memories to treasure. Your donation will go towards this project and other vital conservation work in the outdoors at this special place. With your support, we can continue to protect the irreplaceable. For ever, for everyone.

Fundraising Regulator

Donate now to Hatfield Forest's Coppice Appeal