Nature in Towns and Cities

About this book

The latest in the New Naturalist series documents the parks and green spaces unique to Britain's cities – and the wildlife that has flourished in these habitats. Not since Richard Fitter's landmark publication in 1945, 'London's Natural History' – volume 3 in the New Naturalist series – has there been a comprehensive guide to urban natural history. Since then there have been major advances in the conservation of nature in our towns and cities, and there is even more to say about how animals and plants have adapted, in varying degrees, to urbanisation. But this is not merely an exploration of natural history within the urban environment – David Goode uses his knowledge of urban ecology to describe the range of habitats and species which exist within urban areas, and shows how our understanding is being applied to encourage a greater variety of nature into towns and cities. He illustrates how an ecological approach can be incorporated within planning and design to create a range of habitats from tiny oases to extensive new urban woodland and wetlands.

Contents

Editors' Preface   vii
Author's Foreword and Acknowledgements   ix

1. The Nature of Towns and Cities   1

Part One: Urban Habitats
2. Encapsulated Countryside: Ancient Woodlands   27
3. Encapsulated Countryside: Meadows, Marshes, Heaths and Hills   45
4. Canals, Cemeteries and Railways   71
5. Post-industrial Habitats and 'Urban Commons'   112
6. A Legacy of New Wetlands   137
7. Parks, Squares and Gardens   157

Part Two: Colonisers and Specialists
8. Birds as New Urban Colonisers   183
9. A Motley Selection of Opportunists   211
10. Badger and Fox   238
11. Pigeons, Sparrows and Swifts   258

Part Three: Urban Nature Conservation
12. A New Philosophy   285
13. The 1980s: Time for Action   302
14. Planning for Nature   326
15. Connecting with Nature   351
16. New Ecological Landscapes   371

References   392
Index of Species   401
General Index   412

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