Pasture, Landscape and Nature Conservation

Hardcover  435pp, 167 figs (57 colour)  ISBN 3540429204      £61.00

One of the main problems and aims of nature conservation in Europe is to protect semi-open landscapes. The development during the past decades is characterized by an ongoing intensivation of land use on the one hand, and an increasing number of former meadows and pastures lying fallow caused by changing economic conditions on the other hand. In several countries the estabishment of larger "pasture landscapes" with a mixed character of open grassland combined with shrubs and forests has been recognized as one solution to this problem. The book gives an overview of the European projects concerning to this topic - nature conservation policy and strategies, scientific results and practical experiences creating large scale grazing systems.

Contents: Introduction.- Grazing as Phenomenon in Europe.- Grazing as a Nature Conservation Strategy.- Grazing and Habitat Dynamics - Results of Scientific Research.- Outlook.