This volume focuses on the geology, land use history, palaeoecology, ecology and conservation of peatlands (fens and bogs) in The Netherlands. The volume provides detailed accounts that, together, give a representative picture of the studies that have been carried out in the Dutch mires over the past 25 years. Contents: Chapter 1: Verhoeven -- Introduction. Chapter 2: Pons -- is a comprehensive geographic and pedological account of peat formation in space and time in the western coastal plain. Chapter 3: Casparia and Streefkerk -- is a detailed description of the various stages of development from fen to bog of the Bourtanger Moor. Chapter 4: Borger and Stol -- details the history of peat draining, digging and dredging in The Netherlands and Flanders. Chapter 5: Barkman -- deals with bog remnants in the eastern Netherlands and northwestern Germany. This chapter also includes data on oligotrophic heath pools which have a vegetation that is similar to that found in bogs. Chapters 6: Den Held; 7: Van Wirdum et al.; 8: Koerselman and Verhoeven -- are chapters on vegetation, synecology and nutrient dynamics of fens and chapter 9: Wiegers -- focuses mainly on terrestrializing fens that are so characteristic of the western Netherlands where they presently occur in turf ponds created by peat dredging in former centuries. Chapter 10: Vermeer and Joosten -- concludes the volume with a treatment of problems with mire conservation and management.

This volume focuses on the geology, land use history, palaeoecology, ecology and conservation of peatlands (fens and bogs) in The Netherlands. The volume provides detailed accounts that, together, give a representative picture of the studies that have been carried out in the Dutch mires over the past 25 years. Contents: Chapter 1: Verhoeven -- Introduction. Chapter 2: Pons -- is a comprehensive geographic and pedological account of peat formation in space and time in the western coastal plain. Chapter 3: Casparia and Streefkerk -- is a detailed description of the various stages of development from fen to bog of the Bourtanger Moor. Chapter 4: Borger and Stol -- details the history of peat draining, digging and dredging in The Netherlands and Flanders. Chapter 5: Barkman -- deals with bog remnants in the eastern Netherlands and northwestern Germany. This chapter also includes data on oligotrophic heath pools which have a vegetation that is similar to that found in bogs. Chapters 6: Den Held; 7: Van Wirdum et al.; 8: Koerselman and Verhoeven -- are chapters on vegetation, synecology and nutrient dynamics of fens and chapter 9: Wiegers -- focuses mainly on terrestrializing fens that are so characteristic of the western Netherlands where they presently occur in turf ponds created by peat dredging in former centuries. Chapter 10: Vermeer and Joosten -- concludes the volume with a treatment of problems with mire conservation and management.

Proceedings of a Symposium held in Arnhem, the Netherlands, December 1989

This work presents the state of the art of aquatic and semi-aquatic ecological restoration projects in The Netherlands. Starting from the conceptual basis of restoration ecology, the successes and failures of hundreds of restoration projects are described. Numerous successful projects are mentioned. In general ecological restoration endeavours greatly benefit from the progressive experience achieved in the course of the years. Failures mainly occur through insufficient application of physical, chemical or ecological principles. Spontaneous colonization by plants and animals, following habitat reconstruction, is preferred. However, sometimes the re-introduction of keystone species (e.g. eelgrass, salmon, beaver) is necessary in case the potential habitats are isolated or fragmented, or if a seed bank is lacking, thus not allowing viable populations to develop. Re-introducing traditional management techniques (e.g. mowing without fertilization, low intensity grazing) is important to rehabilitate the semi-natural and cultural landscapes that are so characteristic for The Netherlands.

Forty-two chapters by international experts from a wide range ofdisciplines make The Wetlands Handbook the essential toolfor those seeking comprehensive understanding of the subject. Adeparture from more traditional treatises, this text examinesfreshwater wetland ecosystem science from the fundamentals toissues of management and policy. Introductory chapters address the scope and significance ofwetlands globally for communities, culture and biodiversity.Subsequent sections deal with processes underpinning wetlandfunctioning, how wetlands work, their uses and values for humansand nature, their sensitivity to external impacts, and how they maybe restored. The text is illustrated by numerous examples,emphasising functional and holistic approaches to wetlandmanagement, including case studies on the wise use andrehabilitation of wetlands in farmed, urban, industrial and otherdamaged environments, highlighting the long-term benefits ofmultiple use. The Wetlands Handbook will provide aninvaluable reference for researchers, managers, policy-makers andstudents of wetland sciences.

A distinguished team of Western European scholars has written an advanced, full-length physical geography designed to be a state-of -the-art evaluation of the physical environment of Western Europe, being both retrospective and prospective in its perception of environmental change. The unique natural and regional environments of Western Europe are discussed, as well as the physical geographic framework of the region. Particular emphasis is placed on the impact and responses of human society on the physical environment of the region which is characterized by a very high population density. As an enhanced reference work it will be of enduring value.

Grasslands are an important element of European nature. About half of Europe's endemic species depend on grasslands, whether in mountains, lowlands, river plains or coastal areas. Many grasslands originate in traditional agricultural landscapes. Modern intensification, however, brings many of these ecosystems under threat. 'Grasslands in Europe' is a tribute to these important ecosystems. It was written by an international team of grassland experts, who describe twenty-four case studies from countries in all of Europe - ranging from the grasslands of Gotland and #land (Sweden) to the Spanish Dehesa, and from the hay meadows of the British Pennine Dales to the steppes of Turkish Anatolia. Together, these case studies provide a fascinating glimpse into the various European grasslands, their value for nature, culture and agriculture, and the threats they are facing today. The accessible text as well as the rich illustrations will appeal to a wide audience. Grasslands in Europe contains a large number of stunning full-colour photographs of grassland landscapes, species and cultural history. It also contains many maps and infographics. Thematic chapters provide essential background information on topics such as grassland fauna, the history of agriculture, grassland communities, and the connection between grasslands and climate. The book also analyses the opportunities and risks of EU policy to conserve these grasslands. It offers a farmer-centred outlook to manage and to maintain the European grasslands of high nature value.

This seris keeps scientists and advanced students specialized on a particular subject informed of the latest developments and results in all different areas of botany. The present volume includes reviews on structuralbotany, physiology, genetics, taxonomy, geobotanic, as well as a contribution treating seed dispersal.