Woodlands : 100

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 landmark volume in natural history publishing takes a fascinating approach to understanding British woodland through the ages. Looking at diverse evidence from the woods used in buildings and ships to how woodland has been portrayed in pictures and photographs, Oliver Rackham reconstructs a vivid picture of our arboreal heritage.

Aimed at the non-specialist, this book investigates what woods are and how they function. In lively style, Rackham guides us through how woods evolved and are managed, the basic botany of trees (understanding roots, partnerships, longevity, and tree-rings), an outline of woodland history, pollen analysis and wildwood, archives of woodland and how to study them, different types of woodland, and 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.