If you’re new here, you may not know that we don’t just sell t-shirts. We also love to help local environmental groups such as Cumbria Woodlands, Lake District National Park and The Coppice Co-op, to help improve the conditions of a local woodland, a short drive from our Ulverston HQ.
This week, we were asked to clear some holly trees. This required tools and therefore slightly more brain power than the bracken bash we did a few weeks back.
The aim of this activity was similar to that of the bracken bashing – clearing room in the forest for new trees and shrubs to flourish. The difference with this week is that we didn’t need to take all the holly trees out, just enough to allow more light in. Once cut, the holly trees and branches can be used for firewood, building materials and other coppice products.
Before we got stuck in, we had the risk assessment with Jamie, who’s got an absolute hand-crunching handshake on him. What a good lad!
Some of the holly trees were only small so they only needed a quick cut with the clippers. Some of the big lads needed the following process:
Step 1 – Select target
Step 2 – Use clippers to remove branches and clear around the base
Step 3 – Use a saw to eliminate the target
Step 4 – Put all holly trees and branches in a pile ready for sorting
Clearing the forest and allowing more light in is extremely important in increasing and improving the biodiversity of the woodland area. Each time we’re on these missions, we learn something new – hopefully you guys do by keeping up with WCH weekly!
