brushwood

Brushwood is a term used to describe dense, tangled growth of shrubs and small trees, often with interwoven branches and other woody debris. It can refer to natural scrub on hillsides or in open landscapes, as well as to bundles or piles of woody material produced during land clearing. The exact composition of brushwood varies by region and habitat, but common components include thorny shrubs, brambles, gorse, and young trees.

Ecologically, brushwood plays an important role as habitat and shelter for wildlife. It provides nesting sites for birds, cover for small mammals, and a foraging ground for insects. As early-successional vegetation, brushwood can help stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and act as a corridor linking fragmented habitats, especially in agricultural or regenerating landscapes. In managed landscapes, brushwood often evolves into hedges or windbreaks that offer both ecological and agricultural benefits.

In human use, brushwood has several applications. It is widely employed in rustic fencing and living fences, and in some regions it is coppiced to produce pole timber or fuel. Brushwood is also used in crafts and traditional building practices, such as thatching supports, basketry, or wickerwork, depending on local materials and techniques. Management of brushwood, whether for conservation or practical purposes, focuses on maintaining structural diversity, preventing overgrowth, and balancing habitat value with land-use needs.

See also: scrub, hedgerow, coppicing, windbreak.