This book describes the spread of new agricultural practice in the half millennium after 1350, and reconstructs a neglected part of Europe's agricultural past: the introduction of fodder crops, and the continuous reorganisation of traditional botanical inputs within a new system of farming. It breaks entirely new ground by showing the distant historical origins of a major transformation in land potential and farm productivity. A vast range of evidence is cited from Italy, France, England and elsewhere to produce in effect an economic, social and cultural history of Europe in which the focus is on the long-distance consequences of the 'agricultural revolution'.

Co-publication with Blackwell Publishing.

Drawing on the latest botanical science and opinion, and real-world practical knowledge, this richly illustrated practical guide is essential reading for anyone interested in creating and restoring species-rich meadows and wild vegetation, whether it is a garden, woodland, field, urban space or simply to gain a greater understanding of the history and renovation of Britain and Ireland's rich and diverse meadows – an intrinsic part of our natural and cultural heritage. In this book, the UK's leading wild meadow seed producer, Donald MacIntyre, provides expert advice on all areas of the creation, restoration and management of meadowland, including a directory with detailed accounts of the 220-plus species for habitat restoration and creation in the British Isles. Foreword by Sara Oldfield OBE 'Donald's generosity in sharing his knowledge through this inspiring and practical publication will enable wider production of good quality seed to support and enhance biodiversity whether in wild areas, meadows, farmland, urban parks and gardens, and along transport routes.' Sara Oldfield OBE

This synopsis covers evidence for the effects of conservation interventions for native farmland wildlife. It is restricted to evidence captured on the website www.conservationevidence.com. It includes papers published in the journal Conservation Evidence, evidence summarized on our database and systematic reviews collated by the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence. It is the thrid volume in the series Synopses of Conservation Evidence. Evidence was collected from all European countries west of Russia, but not those south of France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary and Romania. A list of interventions to conserve wildlife on farmland was developed collaboratively by a team of thirteen experts. A number of interventions that are not currently agri-environment options were added during this process, such as ‘Provide nest boxes for bees (solitary or bumblebees)’ and ‘Implement food labelling schemes relating to biodiversity-friendly farming’. Interventions relating to the creation or management of habitats not considered commercial farmland (such as lowland heath, salt marsh and farm woodland) were removed. The list of interventions was organized into categories based on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifications of direct threats and conservation actions. Interventions that fall under the threat category ‘Agriculture’ are grouped by farming system, with separate sections for interventions that apply to arable or livestock farms, or across all farming types.