REPOLLARDING LARGE NEGLECTED POLLARDS: A REVIEW OF CURRENT PRACTICE AND RESULTS

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Abstract
Large neglected pollards are widespread but occur especially in wood-pastures where lopping ceased 50–150 years ago. They are of considerable nature conservation and historical interest and successful repollarding would prolong their lives while new pollards are established. The success of repollarding varies with species. Hornbeam, ash and willow are usually successful, oak is variable and beech very often dies. Several tips appear to increase the chances of success: repollard after Christmas; leave branch stubs; choose rough-barked trees; and leave one branch on for a year, especially on beech. New pollards can be created successfully on small, young trees (up to 15 cm diameter at breast height, or up to 15 years old). Recommendations include: plan a strategy for repollarding and creating new pollards; try the tips suggested; keep records so that methods can be refined. Further research should involve detailed monitoring of results where repollarding is carried out and a trial of methods at Epping Forest.