Pollarding

There is a row of willows bordering the south side of Lagoon III which were polled in September 2001 as shown below on the left. This traditional method of cutting back growth encourages a close rounded head of young branches. The picture on the right shows one year's growth on the willow behind Shoveler hide.

And below are pictures taken of the same trees in October 2003, two years after they were pollarded.

Pictures below show more willow pollarding taking place in September 2004. When the cutting is done repeatedly the removed growth can be used fro stakes and fence posts.

Whereas pollarding involves cutting back growth at the top of the trunk, coppicing means cutting the growth at ground level and is often used for hazel as well as willow.