Burnham Beeches

The History, Ecology and Management of a National Nature Reserve

A comprehensive discussion of the issues and challenges faced while managing a nature reserve in a well-populated area.
Covers complex issues associated with the management of ancient trees, including pollards.
Includes detailed information of the wildlife associated with wood-pasture in south-east England, including invertebrates, fungi, mosses etc.

Subject: botany-plant-science-forestry ecology habitats

Tags:

botany
Coming Soon
forests
reserve
trees
woodland

Description

Bow, stubborn oaks! bow, graceful planes!
Ye match not Burnham Beeches.
—Henry Luttrell (c.1765–1851)

Long immortalised in poetry, painting and as an atmospheric setting for scenes in numerous major films, Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire is an iconic nature reserve. Hosting a wide range of habitats, including wood-pasture, forest, heathland and mire, the site is both a SSSI and a Special Area of Conservation. This book celebrates its unique character and examines the breadth of biodiversity to be found here.

The various habitats at Burnham Beeches are richly illustrated and described in detail, with discussion of some their most notable species – many of which are rare and threatened. There is also an outline of the fascinating history of the reserve. Past and present management is covered, as well as current and future issues such as funding cuts and climate change. Specific techniques in focus include managing veteran pollard trees, conservation grazing, heathland and mire restoration, and biological monitoring. The challenges of accommodating large numbers of visitors on sensitive sites is also considered in detail. Aimed at nature reserve managers and students studying nature conservation, this attractive and informative book will also appeal to interested members of the public.

DOI: 10.53061/OPMJ3394

About the Author

Dr Helen Read MBE has been the Conservation Officer for the City of London Corporation at Burnham Beeches for over 35 years. Initially carrying biological survey work, she became fascinated by the ancient pollarded trees and their history. Helen was closely involved in the formation of the Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) and was commissioned to write Veteran trees: A guide to good management (2000). She also works for the ATF and has helped deliver a variety of projects including two funded by the European Union, creating training material and designing a certification system (VETcert) for people managing veteran trees. In 2003 she was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to look at pollarding techniques across Europe.

C. Philip Wheater is Professor Emeritus in Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University. After a long university career, he has semi-retired to follow his interests in the ecology and management of human-altered environments, and invertebrate conservation and management. He is a keen advocate of field ecology and continues to teach students, including on field courses.