Woodlands (Collins New Naturalist)

HarperCollins UK, 2006-10-01. First Edition. Hardcover. Very Good/Very good. 225 x 157 mm. NO. Beginning with what woods are and why they are so diverse, Oliver Rackham defines different types of tree-land, from woodlands to savanna, and uses a variety of evidence to show why British woodland exists as it does. This book explains how trees and woods behave, for example by how they coppice and pollard, how they are affected by storms and fire, the function of tree roots, the life and growth of trees and how and why they decay. The author reconstructs British woodland through the ages from the evolution of wildwood, through man's effect on the landscape, modern forestry and its legacy, and recent conservation efforts and their effects. Anyone studying woodlands will find this book offers invaluable advice on how to research woodlands and their history, through names, surveys, mapping and legal documents, archaeology, photographs and works of art. In addition, it explores the characteristics of woodland soils, ancient woodland plants, ground vegetation and introduced species. Rackham also examines highland and lowland woodland, and looks at the Forest of Blackmoor as a case study in field research. Illustrated with lots of photographs, many in colour, along with maps and diagrams. Jacket design by Robert Gillmor.