Willow Coppicing & Ditch Work at Mill Bank

This project is taking place at Mill Bank Meadows where 2, large, mature Willows located on the edge of the Oxton Ditch are shading out a large section of the ditch and surrounding area, suppressing the growth of other vegetation. These will be coppiced, creating opportunity for different plant species to grow along the ditch edge. The Willows themselves will grow back, forming dense stools that will be beneficial for wildlife, such as nesting birds, and which can be more easily managed in future. Coppicing tree species such as Willow also increases the longevity of the tree.

This section of the Oxton Ditch has been restricted by silt deposits and debris from floods and now requires clearing to provide unrestricted flow of water. We will also reshape sections of the ditch edge which have built up with silt and debris, creating a more open habitat to encourage the growth of more vegetation.