Natural Woodland: Ecology and Conservation in Northern Temperate Regions

by George F. Peterken

Overview

An appreciation of the natural processes of woodlands is essential for the development of a rationale and practices for woodland nature conservation and management. In this book, Dr. Peterken describes how woodlands grow, die, and regenerate in the absence of human influence, and the structures and range of habitats found in natural woods. He describes examples of virgin and old-growth forests in Europe and North America, and outlines the dynamics and structure of natural temperate woodlands. This knowledge is then applied to nature conservation issues in British woods and forests, particularly the maintenance of "untouched" reserves, the management of native broadleaved woods, and the design of coniferous plantations. Natural Woodlands is a fascinating account of woodland natural history for all those concerned with the management and ecology of natural or commercial woodlands.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521367929
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/28/1996
Pages:	540
Product dimensions:	7.44(w) x 9.69(h) x 1.02(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Part I. Definitions, Significance and Survival: 1. Woodlands, nature and history: a personal introduction; 2. Definitions, values and philosophies; 3. Natural woodland in Europe and North America; Part II. Temperate and Boreal Natural Forests: 4. Selected virgin forests; 5. Disturbance in natural woodland; 6. Succession after catastrophic disturbances; 7. Structures and dynamics of old-growth forests; 8. Components of the forest; 9. Wildlife of natural woodlands; Part III. Virgin Forest Remnants: 10. Human impacts on natural forests in North America; 11. Wildlife responses to the modification of natural forests; 12. Protecting virgin forest remnants; Part IV. Natural Features in the Conservation of British Woodlands: 13. Woodland nature conservation: development, rationale and practice; 14. British natural woodlands; 15. Reconstructing British natural woodlands; 16. Management of broadleaved woodland; 17. Design and management of upland conifer plantations; 18. Priorities in woodland nature conservation; Appendix; Bibliography; Indexes.

Editorial Reviews

"I think this book will (or should) reach a wide readership. Anyone who works with or even spends time thinking about natural areas will find it a valuable resource for both understanding the underlying issues and providing practical suggestions about wildlife conservation." The Quarterly Review of Biology

"The author is to be commended for his open and analytical approach to contentious issues, for the abundant use of real examples from the USA and European-Scandinavia, and for the breadth of his coverage. This book will be an important part of my library." J.P. Kimmins, Ecoscience

"I recommend the book for its philosophical outlook as much as for its treatment of technical issues. Natural Woodland is worth an interlibrary loan request if you cannot find it at a local technical library. The clarion call is there. Are we ready to listen and learn from Europe's example." Stuart Miller, Natural Areas Journal

From the Publisher