Wood in the nineteenth century was a valuable and important commodity, and Coppicers helped to provide continuous and renewable supplies.

By careful cultivation of certain trees, and regular harvesting of “poles” that grew from coppice stools (basically, stumps that kept sending out new shoots) a plentiful supply of wood was ensured. These coppices, or copse, can still be seen around Herefordshire today although few are still worked; some still sport their protective hedges and ditches, or walls, which were placed to help prevent damage by livestock or wild animals.