About Hazel Sticks and Hurdles

My Story

At Hazel Sticks and Hurdles, I am privileged to work in an ancient hazel coppice and able to create sustainable hazel products. I completed a Bsc Environmental Science degree from the University of Plymouth and after achieving a first class with honours, I established myself as a fully fledged hazel coppicer and hurdle maker. All hurdles at Hazel Sticks and Hurdles are handmade to order, where I pride myself on making a strong, durable and good looking traditional English hazel hurdle. Every day working in the hazel coppice is a lesson and I am always learning to better my work.

Hazel coppicing has tremendous benefits to the flora and fauna of an area. Hazel blocks (or coups) are cut on a 7 year cycle in a patchwork effect over an area, creating different environmental conditions which favour certain species of plants, flowers and animals. This way, a relatively small area can support a multitude of different species. A range of flowers, birds and other wildlife species are common occurrences in my office that is the hazel coppice. By supporting local coppicers you are indirectly supporting this haven of biodiversity.

Based in-between Winchester and Stockbridge, Hampshire, this area has been continuously coppiced for decades. It is for this reason I am privileged to continue on this dying craft and aid in the preservation of this industry and habitat.

THE ART OF HAZEL COPPICING

Before cutting a hazel block

The hazel block here is 7 years old. At this age the hazel is ready to be cut and used for various products. The density and size of the hazel will vary from hazel stool to stool and this provides the variety to create what I create.

While cutting a hazel block

The hazel is cut in drifts with a chainsaw and then is ready to be processed into various products. In this fashion, the hazel can be efficiently cut whilst ensuring an even crop comes back.

After cutting a hazel block