Short rotation coppice

Short rotation coppice involves growing trees on two to five year cycles, mainly for wood-fuel. Other uses include garden mulches and particle board manufacture.

Willow and poplar trees are the most common species used for short rotation coppice. They can be productive for 30 years or more.

• Forest Research: The establishment and management of short rotation coppice - a grower's guide (Adobe PDF - 117KB)
• Forest Research: Coppice systems
• Forest Research: Yields from coppice systems

For information on varieties and yields from trials across the UK, see the Forestry Commission's research pages.

• Forest Research: Short rotation coppice
• Scottish Rural College (SRUC): Willow short rotation coppice
• Forest Service Northern Ireland: Short rotation coppice scheme

SEE ALSO: Harvesting trees