Preliminary Chapter: Woodlands as Landscapes of Power

The rich history of British woodlands is well documented. Yet, since the object of the study is to elicit connections that can then be transposed to other contexts, it is worth taking up the main tenets of forestry and the main cultural traits associated with woodlands in England. This will show how they inform present practices and debates which will be analysed and assessed further on. This introductory chapter will first explore the natural characteristics of woodlands, to throw light on the discourse about the conservation of native and ancient woodlands discussed in the last chapter of the book. Then, it will elicit the use value as well as the cultural values of the woodlands in England, as these frame and feed today’s conscious – and at times unconscious – reactions and policies to woodlands.