Trees and Woodlands: : British Wildlife Collection George Peterken Bloomsbury Wildlife

Trees and Woodlands

Description

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.

Preface
1. Introducing woodlands
2. The forms of trees and shrubs
3. Forest dominants
4. Pioneers, small trees, shrubs and climbers
5. Natural woodland
6. History: how people have used woodland
7. Woodland types
8. Woodland and trees as habitats
9. Utility and well-being
10. Cultural appreciation of woodland
11. Looking forward
Bibliography
Index

Product details

Published	16 Feb 2023
Format	Hardback
Edition	1st
Extent	416
ISBN	9781472987013
Imprint	Bloomsbury Wildlife
Illustrations	300 colour photographs, illustrations and maps
Dimensions	242 x 166 mm
Series	British Wildlife Collection
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

This is a fascinating and insightful commentary on trees and our relationship with them.

Countryside
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 forestry

Rob Fuller, British Wildlife
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.

BSBI News
Yet another great example of the British Wildlife Collection […] I loved this book

Birdwatching Magazine
Peterken writes very clearly and complex issues are carefully explained in a straightforward and entertaining manner. The book is beautifully produced and the photographs and tables add greatly to the strong line of argument … a splendid book which will be invaluable for all those with an interest in landscape history, conservation and management

Charles Watkins, Landscape History