Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #84614 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 592 pages

Seven (Sunday Telegraph Supplement) 15th October
"Oliver Rackham is the only person with the depth of knowledge to
write this book"

Synopsis
This is the 100th volume of the prestigious "New Naturalist" series, written by one of Britain's best-known naturalists, explores the significance and history of woodlands on the British landscape. 'Trees are wildlife just as deer or primroses are wildlife. Each species has its own agenda and its own interactions with human activities...' This 100th volume of the "New Naturalist" series presents a landmark in natural history publishing. Looking at such diverse evidence as the woods used in buildings and ships, and how woodland has been portrayed in pictures and photographs, Rackham reconstructs British woodland through the ages. Aimed at the non-specialist, "New Naturalist Woodlands" investigates what woods are and how they function. In lively style, Rackham takes us through: how woods evolved and how they are managed, the basic botany (understanding roots, partnerships, longevity, tree-rings), outline of woodland history, pollen analysis and wildwood, archives of woodland and how to study them, different types of woodland, the rise and fall of modern forestry.

Illustrated with beautiful colour photographs throughout, this "New Naturalist" is set to be a classic for collectors and general readers alike.

Customer Reviews

Excellent
As always Oliver Rackham's readable style of writing comes to the fore, whether you are a student, expert or layman you'll always find something interesting in this and all his other books. I feel that his criticisms and "biased" opinions all add to his charm, something that is lacking in the more dry and fusty scientific texts. Also Dr Rackham's passion and enthusiasm shine through in every sentence!!

Favourite
Oliver Rackham has been a favourite writer of mine for some time and this is amongst his most accessible. It is of course full of his prejudices and narrow view, very much based in eastern England. Much of what he says is hardly recognisable in my part of the country and woods that aren't ancient don't really figure. The study of Blackmore Vale in Dorset is of great interest though, and is something of a departure for Rackham. His discussion of the ' Vera ' thesis is also very good.
Perhaps this does not sound like a five star review, the reason is, Rackham is so good a writer and great a scholar that little criticisms take the place of condemnation. I also reccomend 'Ancient Woodland', 'Hatfield; The Last Forest', 'Hayley Wood', 'History of the Countryside', also his collaborative studies of the Mediterranean and more technical, George Peterken 'Natural Woodland'.
We could do with a one or two competitors in this field, for I would not reccommend Richard Muir or the type of book by Roger Deakin if you want sound information.

A magnificent volume
Oliver Rackham is both an engaging and crafty writer. His well known History of the English Landscape is available in several guises and so he has rather cornered the market so to speak. What cannot be denied is that his books are a delight to read and this volume can save you the trouble of buying all his others...It is astonishing. It is humbling to be told just how little we know about the woodland history of Britain and a fascinating historical journey. I am studying woodland history at college and I cannot imagine a better text to prepare a student of ecology or landscape history for this vast subject. I have spent the past few weeks utterly engrossed. Tremendous , magnificent. Another great book in the New Naturalist series and a marvellous record of our current knowledge by a great natural history writer. Buy it and your perception of landscape will be changed forever.