Features almost 300 colour photographs and brings together more than 60 years of research by a leading voice in British woodland ecology. Trees define woodland. They provide a complex,multi-layered habitat for a great range of wildlife,yet they are wildlife themselves,reacting to their circumstances and each other. Woodlands are important to people,supplying timber,food and fuel,accumulating carbon,and offering places of refuge and refreshment. But they are also under threat: some stand in the way of'progress'and all are becoming increasingly vulnerable to neglect,disease and climate change.Trees and Woodlands brings together decades of research to explore the ecology,nature conservation and wider cultural value of our native trees and shrubs,and the various ways they have combined as woodland. Incorporating personal experiences from 60 years as a forest ecologist,Peterken describes the long history of use and management; how this has influenced woodland wildlife and our art,beliefs and social attitudes. He concludes that most woods should be managed,their timber and small wood being put to good use,but recognises that this is all part of a larger question: the future of ourselves.Containing nearly 300 photographs,and interspersed with box texts describing the history and ecology of representative woods across Britain,this is a commentary on trees,woodlands and our relationship with them from one of our most highly regarded forest ecologists.
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Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLCISBN: 9781472987013Number of pages: 416Dimensions: 242 x 166 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
George Peterken has written a multilayered book about British woodland that is hugely informative,laced with insights and opinions,and superbly illustrated with carefully chosen photographs,most of which were taken by himself. Few,if any,people can match Peterken's knowledge of the woodlands of Britain built over a long career embracing intertwined strands of research,conservation and forestryThis is a fascinating and insightful commentary on trees and our relationship with them.I doubt there is anyone living who is better experienced and skilled to write this book...George Peterken's book is the one for you.Yet another great example of the British Wildlife Collection (...) I loved this book
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