Heathland: (British Wildlife Collection)

'In Clive, we have an ever-fascinating guide to Britain's heathery districts, not only marvelling at the wildlife of such wild places, but also celebrating their diverse origins, uses and cultural resonances' - Andrew Byfield Heathlands are so much more than simply purple carpets of heather. They are ancient landscapes found throughout Britain that support a complex of inter-related species and an immense diversity of habitats. They also possess a unique human history defined by the struggle between pastoralism and the competing demands of those who seek exclusive use of the land. In this latest addition to the British Wildlife Collection, Clive Chatters introduces us to Britain's heathlands and their anatomy. He then takes the reader on a geographical heathland tour – from the maritime sub-arctic of the Shetlands to the mild wetness of the Atlantic coast – with an in memoriam nod to those heaths that have been erased from common memory and understanding. He concludes with a review of how people have perceived and used heathland wildlife over the ages, and sets out a future vision for this iconic landscape, its unique habitats and the species that live there. Most of our heaths are pale shadows of their former selves. However, Chatters argues, it is not inevitable that the catastrophic losses of the recent past are the destiny of our remaining heaths. Should we wish, their place in the countryside as an integral part of British culture can be secured.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Part One: An introduction to heathland 1 British heathlands 2 Some commonplace heaths 3 The anatomy of heathland Part Two: A selection of British heaths 4 Northern Isles 5 Upland margins 6 Western limits 7 Southern heaths 8 Heaths of the eastern shore 9 The East of England 10 In memoriam Part Three: Perceptions 11 Changing perceptions 12 A vision for heathland Acknowledgements References and further reading Illustration credits Index

About the Author :
Clive Chatters lives and works in the New Forest, England's largest and most complete heathland landscape. He has spent his career in the front line of nature conservation, in both the statutory and charitable sectors. He is first and foremost a naturalist who enjoys exploring the British countryside and researching the history of how it has been shaped. Clive has written widely, including the Saltmarsh volume of the same series.

Review :
Chatters' expertise and enthusiasm brings the subject to life as he explores the history and ecology of these wildlife-rich habitats. An ecological masterpiece, generous in its sympathies, awe-inspiring in its breadth of knowledge, and genuinely enticing in its journey around heathland Britain. This is a book that ought to influence policy. As always in this series, the illustrations and design are top class. Offers great coverage of a habitat which is always under pressure ... worth every penny. An ever-timely reminder of why we should treasure and repair the few fragments [of heathland] that survive today. Beautifully designed, uncluttered and attractively laid out, and with many hundreds of colourful images interspersed throughout... eminently readable. Clive writes impeccably in a bright and engaging way, making the subject matter compelling and comprehensible. The author is painstaking in detail...This is a considerable reference that would deserve repeated readings for both experts and those who enjoy the countryside. Clive writes impeccably in a bright and engaging way, making the subject matter compelling and comprehensible. Essential reading for anyone who wants to keep up with the conservation debate In a brief review it is hard to convey the range and wealth of detail: the only possible remedy is, of course, to obtain and read a copy.