Biodiversity Northern Ireland

Oxford Island National Nature Reserve Hazel Coppicing

A project has been ongoing involving large areas of hazel growing at Oxford Island. These have been left untouched for over thirty years with the result that they have begun to topple over and in some cases are dying out. A programme of work which began in early 2008 and which has continued since has seen the remaining hazel coppiced. This will aid the regeneration of the hazel stools and improve the range of habitat in the woodlands involved. Initial signs are that the hazel stools have responded well and have put on healthy new growth. This work has been carried out by Conservation Service staff from the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre with the help of local volunteers.