With nearly 300 vibrant photographs, this book encapsulates over 60 years of research from a prominent figure in British woodland ecology. It offers an in-depth exploration of the diverse ecosystems within British woodlands, highlighting their significance and the intricate relationships among flora and fauna. The extensive expertise presented provides valuable insights into conservation efforts and the importance of preserving these natural habitats.
This book features the paintings and drawings created by The Arborealists, an informal group of professional artists with an interest in painting trees and woodland, in Lady Park Wood, an ancient, semi-natural wood on the slopes and cliffs of the Wye Gorge on the borders of England and Wales. Uniquely, the wood, which has been left to grow naturally for up to 150 years, has been studied in detail since 1944 and the fortunes of hundreds of individual trees have been tracked for three-quarters of a century.The artworks are matched with a commentary by George Peterken, who has led the research since the 1980s. Both artists and ecologists observe trees and woods closely, but express their understanding of the wood in totally different forms. The two interests came together to deepen their understanding of each other and their different perspectives in an interest they share and promote a broader interest and understanding of native woodlands generally. Elm disease, the great drought of 1976, storms, snow and now ash disease have taken their toll on the ageing beech, oak, lime, ash, yew, hazel and many other species, many of which now lie prone in great heaps of dead wood and re-growth.
During the twenty years in which Britain's nationalized railway operated
mainline steam locomotives, a vast array of individual designs complemented
the British Railways 'Standard' machines, built up to 1960.
The book covers prototypes from the beginnings of British Rail's Modernisation
Plan up to the present privatised scene and aims to cater for all skill
levels.
