Coppice Forests in Europe

Coppice forest management utilises the ability of broadleaved tree species to regrow from cut stems, producing multiple sprouts. It is a highly efficient system in which stands are harvested at frequent intervals, sustainably supplying large amounts of wood at a low cost. For centuries upon centuries, the majority of Europe's population depended on coppice forests to provide raw material for energy, warmth, structures and tools. As early industries emerged, coppice forests were also a crucial resource in the attempt to meet the new insatiable demand for fuel, as well as products such as tannin and poles. However, the 20th century brought dramatic changes, mainly due to the increased use of fossil fuels and a need for large dimension construction wood. Many coppice forests were abandoned and the management system fell out of fashion, with politics, science and practice thereafter favouring high forests. Only recently has attention returned to coppice forests, with a shift in focus to the unique services they provide and their potential role in a low-carbon bio-economy. They can not only protect against soil erosion and rockfall, as well as contribute to biodiversity and rural livelihoods, but are also an important form of cultural heritage. In the context of the bio-economy, they are a fast-growing, renewable and sustainable source for fuel and biomaterials. Nevertheless, a particularly challenging aspect is the large-scale abandonment of the past decades, which has led to expansive areas of over-aged, unstable stands. The largest international cooperation on coppice forest topics to date has been COST Action FP1301 EuroCoppice. From 2013 to 2017, the Action implemented a variety of coppice-related activities, from awareness raising and scientific discourse, to supporting the development and careers of young researchers. In October 2018, the Action released its final publication, a comprehensive edited collection of articles titled "Coppice Forests in Europe", authored by 115 experts, researchers and practitioners from 35 European and partner countries. Besides covering the themes of coppice silviculture, utilisation, conservation and governance, the volume provides information on each of the 35 countries and discusses management options for the different situations in which coppice can currently be found. The volume "Coppice Forests in Europe" should be of interest to any student, academic or professional concerned with forestry and the environment. It addresses both historical and traditional forms of management, as well as recent ones such short rotation coppice (SRC), while balancing the variety of themes with a wide temporal lens.