copse

A copse is a small stand of trees or a dense thicket, typically comprising a few dozen trees and associated shrubs. The term is often used to describe a natural regrowth or a stand that has been maintained by human activity, particularly coppicing, in which trees are periodically cut to ground level to stimulate new shoots. Copses are common in rural landscapes, especially in Europe, where they border fields, hedgerows, or mark boundaries. The size and composition can vary from a few hundred square meters to several hectares, and a copse may include native hardwoods as well as a dense understory of shrubs.

Ecologically, copses provide shelter, forage, and breeding sites for a range of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and insects. The mix of shaded canopy and open ground supports distinctive understory flora and can act as a habitat corridor linking larger woodlands. The presence of a coppice or pollard structure can influence the age distribution of trees in the stand and promote regrowth after cutting.

Management and use commonly reflect historical needs. In many regions, copses served as sources of timber, fuel, and other wood products, and functioned as game cover and windbreaks. Traditional European woodland management often employed coppicing to maintain a sustainable yield while preserving a wooded edge within agricultural landscapes. Today, copses persist as ecological remnants, landscape features, and recreational or aesthetic elements in the countryside.