... broad and inconsistent, all present valuable lessons from which Britain can and should learn from to avoid similar mistakes in the future. 'Until the end of the 17th Century the history of Britain's woodlands was largely one of rapid and gradual destruction,' 2 mainly for Britain's dependence for naval timber. Forests in Britain occupied almost 60% of the land surface but now occupy only 12%. The decline in woodland management continued in the 18th Century, and there were further waves of 'heavy fellings in the Seven Years War of 1756-63.'3 Attitudes changed and much forest areas in the late 18th Century were disafforested, enclosed and 'improved,' as ecological decline set in woodlands through inadequate crown management. The 19th Century brought further neglect as coal replaced wood for fuel and brick replaced timber for building material. The acceleration of globalisation and connections of international markets ensured a cheaper supply of timber ...

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