Coppice craft
‘Coppice crafts’ is a broad term to describe the making of a wide variety of products. Coppicing involves cutting specific trees close to the ground with the consequent regrowth harvested then used to make traditional products including hurdles, baskets and tent pegs.
Realwoodcraft utilises coppice wood to create e.g. gates, chairs, coat rack holders and towel/clothes ladders. The major benefit of coppicing is the value to biodiversity. Increased Light (warmth) and a varied woodland structure benefit a huge range of species from butterflies, other invertebrates to nesting birds and even reptiles.
Coppicing is a passion of mine and reinforced from studying (MSc) ancient woodlands in Sheffield, a city with a rich woodland heritage and boasting more ancient woodlands than any other in the UK!
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Woodland management, handtools and processes
Woodland management has been practiced for centuries but has sadly declined in recent decades with some woodlands now largely forgotten. Many woodlands were actually working environments - skilled people harvesting and creating goods - like today's manufacturing factories for example. Coppicing in particular allows light and energy to the woodland floor as stems are cut close to the ground. By rotating these 'coppice' areas throughout a woodland new areas are constantly being created with a consequent diversity in woodland age and structure. This diversity provides habitat for a wider range of species than by doing nothing. By leaving huge specimens e.g. Oak (standards) uncut there is always a variety of habitats, seed sources and structure. Where no active coppice management is in place, Realwoodcraft sources other 'coppice' stems including road side verges and regrowth following clearances.
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Realwoodraft harvest coppice wood from all of the above (with permission) and so the wood used is truly sustainable - all coppice stems grow back! Traditional tools used include billhook, bow saw, axe, draw knife and froe. Saws or billhooks are used to cut the stem in situ. A froe or axe will then 'split' the wood, typically ash or hazel. Finally, a draw knife is used on the shave horse to peel the bark and 'dress' the split wood. This can be challenging work but is very enjoyable. To see a finished split wood mortise and tenon gate knowing you've personally cut it, shaped it and made it by hand is extremely rewarding.
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Wherever possible all Realwoodcraft furniture uses hand-tools following traditional techniques. Look closely at the back of the natural peg coat racks! These are not cut by machines. Instead they are split (cleaved) following the natural grain. Realwoodcraft gates also use cleaved wood - a super strong mortise and tenon gate...just got even stronger! Order your gate now.
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