The research, working with National Highways and Lancaster University will focus on woodland coppicing and whether it can be an effective technique to manage air quality impacts from roads, and will survey existing coppices across England and Wales to study the effects coppicing has on ecology and soil composition.
The study will involve a non-destructive survey of the vegetation to ascertain percentage cover of ground flora species. There will also be some sampling of soils (subject to necessary permissions) which will involve taking approximately 5 topsoil samples (0-10 cm) using a trowel or auger.
In order to conduct the study, they are currently identifying as many woodlands across England and Wales that are actively being managed with coppice. The aim is to include around 50 sites in our study.
If you are aware of any relevant woodland sites that would be suitable for the study within your community forest, or if you would like further information about the study, contact Alasdair Robertson on alasdair.robertson@arcadis.com or 07388472084.