Description
Book SynopsisA meticulously researched, important and beautiful volume that goes well beyond the scope of its title to describe the hitherto neglected subject of woodland flora and place it in a broad ecological and historical context.' - Stehan BuczackiObserving the plants of the forest floor the flowers, ferns, sedges and grasses can be a vital way of understanding our relationship with British woodland. They tell us stories about its history and past management, and can be a visible sign of progress when we get conservation right. For centuries, woodland plants have also been part of our lives in practical ways as food and medicines, and they have influenced our culture through poetry, perfume and pub signs.In this insightful and original account, Keith Kirby explores how woodland plants in Great Britain have come to be where they are, coped with living in the shade of their bigger relatives, and responded to threats in the form of storms, fires, floods, the attentions of grazing
Trade ReviewAn informative and enlightening book for those who love woodlands but seek a deeper understanding of the myriad plants that clothe the forest floor. * Gardens Illustrated *
Woodland Flowers offers wonderful insight into these other-worldly habitats. * English Garden *
Kirby’s extensive knowledge is presented in a volume that is both accessible and detailed, in a format that will appeal to both the ecologist and anyone who simply appreciates and wants to learn more about woodlands and its flora. * BBC Wildlife *
Beautifully illustrated.
Woodland Flowers is a must for anyone who appreciates and wants to learn more about British woodland and its plants. * Countryside *
There is much to enjoy in Keith Kirby's writing style as his language is straightforward and accessible. -- Clive Chatters * British Wildlife *
Thought provoking, personal and richly illustrated. -- Rob Fuller * BTO *
I would highly recommend it for the Christmas list for any forester with an interest in woodland conservation. -- Tim Hall * Trees magazine, the Institute of Chartered Foresters *
Very well-informed with up-to-date research, relieved by personal reminiscences, unexpected snippets, lively prose and informative accounts of individual species. -- George Peterken * Quarterly Journal of Forestry *
A tour de force of woodland botany from a real woodland expert... Highly recommended. * Plantlife *
Table of ContentsPreface Map 1 Into the woods 2 The wandering botanist 3 Historical influences and woodland plant distributions 4 Commonness and rarity 5 The wood below the ground 6 Types of British woodland: the north and west 7 Types of British woodland: the south and east 8 For everything there is a season 9 Mind the gap: the woodcutter’s legacy 10 Unplanned forest disturbances 11 The effects of grazing animals 12 The nature of the wildwood 13 Woodland plants across the channels 14 Lines and links in the landscape 15 New woods and their flora 16 A changing atmosphere 17 Fun and games in the woods 18 Seven ages of conservation 19 Future-natural woodland: holding the line/going with the flow
Appendices References Illustration credits Index
