![]() The two World Wars had a dramatic impact on woodland, and the Forestry Commission was set up in 1919, as a response to the shortages experienced during the 1914-18 War, to ensure the long term timber resource. As coal became more readily available and wood was replaced by other materials such as metal and plastic the range of products reduced. Local conditions influenced both the native trees and the demand for products, with selection of “desirable” species over time resulting in the composition of today’s woodlands (, , ). ![]() Historically coppicing was the most common way in which England’s woodlands were managed to provide small diameter roundwood for building, furniture, household and farm utensils, and particularly fuel for heating and cooking. It is concluded that Government policies to promote woodfuel are not likely to succeed without active engagement with the workforce to understand their perspectives and enabling them to participate in policy decisions is recommended. Issues currently affecting their businesses included housing costs, rural crime, harvesting restrictions, loss of yards and training needs. They were unaware of concerns about decline in the area coppiced or initiatives to address it. Coppice workers were found to be more numerous, active and enterprising than previously thought, and many were found to be working in family groups servicing traditional markets. The reason for this has been explored by engaging directly with the workforce, both individually and in focus groups. This was assumed to be due to market failure but attempts to reverse this by creating new outlets failed. This has increased wider public awareness of and appreciation for coppicing as a management technique and, consequently rising concern over the reduction in area managed. Over the last fifty years the “value” attached to coppiced woodlands has shifted away from resource exploitation and towards a greater appreciation of them for wildlife, recreation, amenity and cultural heritage. The economic and social contexts have altered significantly over time with product substitution and changing consumer aspirations, and particularly the availability of alternative fuel sources. This paper describes research into the historic importance of the coppice industry, now largely restricted to south east England and the relevance of this to current rural development policy.
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