Coup creation

Positive management of hazel at Shire Brook Valley

As part of the Species Survival project, we commissioned Andrew Merson, Sheffield Woodcraft to complete an audit of the hazel in an area of Shire Brook Valley. Andrew mapped mini coups (where there are 5 or more hazel stools together) and wrote a management plan to put some of them back into positive management.

The main recommendation from Andrew was to create a large hazel coup and we commissioned Sheffield Coppice Workers (SCW) to create this. The site that was selected for the coup is a south facing slope, so it has ideal growing conditions. SCW felled a few standard trees and coppiced lots of old hazel. They also layered some hazel which means bending down one of the branches of hazel to the ground so it regrows into a new tree.

Early in 2026, Sheffield Coppice Workers will plant another 450 hazel whips to create a dense area of hazel. The hazel will grow straight and tall as it will get lots of sunlight. In around 10 years, the hazel can be harvested and produce used across the city.

This project is funded by the Government’s Species Survival Fund and other partner funding. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency. A whole programme of activity across the Valley will create, restore and enhance habitats to support and protect the species living here and encourage new ones to thrive.