Imagining and creating forests in Britain, 1890-1939

Tsouvalis, Judith and Watkins, Charles (2000) Imagining and creating forests in Britain, 1890-1939. In: Forest history : International studies on socio-economic and forest ecosystem change. CABI Publishing, Wallingford.

Abstract

In this chapter the period 1890-1939 is explored as a time of slow transition in the work practices of British forestry and the different types of woodland produced. Drawing on evidence from official publications, forestry manuals, textbooks and scientific papers, the ways in which forestry practices changed over time and space and influenced the form of forests and the shape of trees are examined. Particular attention is given to the decline of traditional woodland practices and the development of new forest techniques, propagated by a burgeoning interest in continental forestry, and the establishment of the Forestry Commission. The consequences of these changes for forest workers and forests alike are critically assessed.