Forest is the natural vegetation of most of Europe. Although the majority has been destroyed over the centuries, a considerable amount remains and has been managed to varying degrees and for a wide variety of reasons. The result is a large number of natural and semi-natural landscapes and habitat types with a high diversity of plant and animal communities adapted to them. This unique book is in response to the growing interest in the complex ecological history of European forests. It provides wide-ranging and detailed case studies of specific aspects, including grazing, management practices, and conservation, as well as overviews from recognized authorities on the latest research into the ecological history of forests and woodlands in Europe. Contributions come from the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, the Low Countries, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Turkey.

Keith Kirby teaches at Oxford University.