A detailed Flora with full keys and descriptions of plants occurring in the wild in the British Isles.

This critical Flora provides a definitive account of the native species, naturalised species, frequent garden escapes and casuals found in the British Isles. Full keys and descriptions should enable the user to name all plants occurring in the wild, plus some ornamental trees and shrubs. For the first time detailed accounts of all the large apomictic genera are given and many infraspecific variants included. Each species entry begins with the accepted latin name, synonyms and the common English name. A detailed description follows, with separate descriptions being given for infraspecific taxa. Information on status, ecology and distribution is also included. Clear black and white line drawings illustrate an extensive glossary and also illuminate the diagnostic features of a number of groups of plants.

A definitive and richly illustrated guide to the botanically unique area of Upper Teesdale in England’s County Durham To anyone who loves the wild flowers of Great Britain and Ireland, there are some places that beckon time and again, such as The Lizard in Cornwall, The Burren in Ireland’s County Clare and Ben Lawers in Perthshire, Scotland. Upper Teesdale in England’s County Durham must, however, be included among these jewels of our botanical heritage. This locality, which is within sight of the highest point of the Pennines, has an outstanding and special flora that has been shaped by its altitude, land-use patterns and diverse geology. Many of the plants found here are rare and localized, while others are more common and widespread, but together they form the botanically unique Teesdale Assemblage. For this reason, Upper Teesdale is a hotspot for botanists. It is also a scenically beautiful area, located within easy reach of the industrial heartlands of the north-east, and is much visited by walkers and tourists. This book offers visitors unique insights about this area and its botanical riches. Presents the first account to cover together the places, plants and people of this special area Features more than 330 stunning photographs Includes detailed profiles of 96 plants that make up the Teesdale Assemblage Offers a history of Teesdale’s botanical exploration and describes the people who live, work and study plants there today Provides an overview of environmental threats and what is required to ensure a sustainable future

The impact of invasive organisms is second only to habitat loss as a threat to biodiversity and yet, despite increasing ecological awareness, people remain largely unaware of these plants and animals and their potentially devastating impact. Although most biological introductions fail, many prove successful and these can prove disastrous for native fauna and flora. This field guide will enable the identification of a range of invasive plants and animals now found in Britain. Though these species are of particular concern to conservationists there has previously been no unified guide devoted to their recognition. This book will act both as an ID guide, appealing to the amateur naturalist, and as an important tool for ecologists and land managers attempting to tackle the problem posed by invasive species.

Periodic comprehensive overviews of the status of the diverse organisms that make up wildlife are essential to determining trends, threats and future prospects. Just over 25 years ago, leading authorities on different kinds of wildlife came together to prepare an assessment of their status of a wide range of organisms in Great Britain and Ireland in The Changing Flora and Fauna of Britain, also edited by Professor David L. Hawksworth CBE. Now, in The Changing Wildlife of Great Britain and Ireland, he has gathered together some of the original and also new contributors to review changes since that time and look to the future. Contributions range from viruses, diatoms, fungi, lichens, mites and nematodes; through butterflies, dragonflies, flies and slugs; to flowering plants, ferns, mammals, birds and fish. The state of knowledge in different groups is assessed, and the effectiveness of statutory and other measures taken to safeguard wildlife considered. The picture is far from bleak, ameliorating sulphur dioxide levels have benefited sensitive lichens and mosses in a dramatic way, water quality improvement has been beneficial, there have been few certain extinctions and rediscoveries of species thought to have been lost. Biodiversity Action Plans have also benefited targeted species, but habitat restoration and management for some is not always good for others. But there are worrying trends in declining populations, with an increasing number being regarded as threatened or endangered, especially in agricultural areas, and where woodland management has changed, particular threats from introduced species, and concern over the effects of climate change. Some of the smaller organisms remain poorly known, a situation unlikely to change as expertise in many is scant or being lost. This stock-check and look to the future will be a key source book to conservationists, naturalists, and professional biologists for many years to come.

A manual for prevention, rapid response and control of invasive non-native plants.

Bamboo has become a popular planting choice in recent years; its architectural features are very appealing. Nevertheless, some bamboos can be highly invasive and can impact negatively on the built environment and local habitats. This book outlines the darker side of bamboo's nature and offers practical advice on how to deal with it; it also provides an overview of bamboo history, biology and ecology, and highlights why planting some species of bamboo can be particularly problematic. Useful guidance for householders who have planted, or wish to plant bamboo, is presented, as well as practical advice for those wanting to rid themselves of the plant. Most people who buy and sell bamboo are not aware of how invasive and destructive many bamboos can be. This book seeks to raise the profile of these plants, constructively and helpfully.