Kent’s woodlands and the traditional way they are managed are the focus of an international conference set to be hosted in Medway.
The second EuroCoppice Event will see visitors from across Europe, South Africa and Turkey, visiting Kent ¬– the heartland of the coppice industry – to learn new techniques, share experiences and compare practices.
EuroCoppice, which is taking place at the University of Greenwich’s Medway Campus in Chatham Maritime, between November 3 and 5, will include working groups, expert speakers and a field trip to Torry Hill Fencing company in Doddington, Swale.
Dr Debbie Bartlett, programme leader for the MSc in Environmental Conservation programme, and organiser of this year’s event, says: “Hosting EuroCoppice is good news for Kent and for the University. It will allow us to show off our beautiful Kentish woodlands, which are an important area for coppice woodland management.
“It is also a great opportunity for our MSc students to expand their knowledge and learn from the experts.”
Speakers will include the Forestry Commission, owners of large and small woodlands, non-governmental organisations, local authorities and the people who ply their trades in the woods. Topics will include the history of this traditional practice, as well as conservation and ownership.
Dr Bartlett, a member of the university’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, was also a speaker at the inaugural EuroCoppice event in Italy.
She said: “Delegates will be asked for their views on each presentation, which will enable us to build up a stakeholder overview of the best practices in coppicing from around the world.”
A limited number of places are still available for day three of the event on the Wednesday, 5th November. Contact David Rossney at esusforestry@btinternet.com or call 07870 162504 for details.
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