The proposed works are to carry on the management of the multi-stemmed hazel. Having consulted a tree expert, they inform us that it is standard practise to coppice hazel at the base. He advised us that it is better for the tree to be coppiced at the ground rather than at an above ground height. Last year we took the height of the hazel down to 1.8 metres and the tree responded well to the pruning. However as you can see from the photo attached nearly all the new growth is sprouting from the large branches. The result is that there are multiple young stems/suckers which are quite congested growing out of the top and sides. We propose coppicing the tree properly, approx 5-10 cm from the ground. This will allow the new growth to sprout from the ground up in the traditional way. Going forward, as advised by the tree expert, we would then be able to leave the hazel to grow for a few years before it would need to be coppiced again.As stated last year the plot had been used as an allotment in the past and we are trying to reinstate that.Historically we assume a hazel was grown there, or left to grow there, to provide hazel branches for plant supports. We would like to do the same and will use any removed stems in the garden.

Old Allotments Booth Gardens Heol Y Dwr Hay-On-Wye HR3 5BH