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Willow coppice, the beating heart of the Vijfheerenlanden? Willow coppice, their role in the regional economy and the meaning for society
The landscape of the Vijfheerenlanden predominantly consists of peaton-clay soils. The water management in some polders is poor, creating favourable conditions for the thriving of osier beds. Due to poor employment opportunities, the osier culture emerged as a viable option. There were two types of osier beds: cutting beds and coppicing beds, each with distinct methods of planting, maintenance, harvesting, and utilization. A significant portion of the osier crop was supplied to hoop makers and basket weavers. In later times, a large portion was utilized as withies in dykes. This research concludes that osier beds have been of significant value in the Vijfheerenlanden and that there are opportunities to preserve the osier culture for the future.