Woodlands Book Reviews

Woodlands by Oliver Rackham Book Summary

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.

Reviews
‘Rackham has been a great champion for real woods and against the endless postwar conifer plantations – a campaign now largely won. Here he is writing not as a conservationist, but simply to share his prodigious knowledge of woods and trees with the reader.’
The Times‘…the 100th addition to the New Naturalist library, and a highly significant landmark in the history of this marvellous series. It’s a magnificent compendium of evocations, celebrations and warnings – the harvest of a long lifetime, gathered slowly but with unflagging passion.’
Guardian‘A huge compendium of a book, the culmination of a lifetime’s work…All distinguished scientists should take this as their model.’
The Spectator“Magnificent, masterful… For those of us who worship trees, Rackham is our (slightly grumpy) High Druid. A true classic.” The List in The Week
About the author

Oliver Rackham is a name synonymous with woodlands. He has written various books on trees and woodland, most recently a second edition of Ancient Woodland: its history, vegetation, and uses in England. Dr Rackham (OBE) is currently Praelector Rhetoricus at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

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Woodlands (Oliver Rackham) Book Reviews 2024

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