Creating landscapes from the old - an English perspective on nature conservation

Abstract

It is no accident that much of the impetus for historical ecology in the UK has come from the pioneering efforts of those engaged in nature conservation. Past land use and management were seen as a key to identifying the most effective ways of preserving and enhancing the wildlife of reserves. In the countryside generally, such historical understanding would help assess the scale of present-day losses, and scope for habitat rehabilitation, restoration and creation. The paper draws on the insights and experience gained in undertaking commissioned research studies for the UK conservation agencies, the Ministry of Agriculture and Highways Agency.