| Abstract
| - The growth of oak coppice was investigated by measuring temporary sample plots on 16 sites in southern England and Wales. Very variable height growth with age was apparent and, as a result, site index classes were determined. A yield model was produced based on the dominant height of stands, which could be related to age by using the site index classes. The age of maximum mean annual increment ranged from over 55 years on the poorest sites to only 25 years on the most productive. The mean annual increments {MAIs) at a rotation age of 30 years varied between 1.8 and 7.4 M3 ha−1 y−1 to 7 cm top diameter and averaged 4 m3 ha−1 y−1. The MAIs are similar to those expected from conventionally spaced plantation oak but occur at much earlier ages.
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