In the UK there are some 1.5 million hectars of low-lying land, much of which has the potential to be wet grassland. Most has been drained and improved for agriculture - only 109,500 hectares support breeding waders. There are 32 RDB/candidate RDB species of birds which depend or partly depend on lowland wet grassland. In addition, some 500 of the 1500 British vascular plant species and large numbers of invertibrate may be found in this habitat.

Grassland and Heathland Habitats is a practical guide to the habitat types, flora and fauna of Britain's range of natural and semi-natural grasslands and heaths.

There is growing concern over the conservation and management of European wet grasslands. The maintenance of the European wet grassland landscape, including floodplain meadows and coastal grazing marshes or pastures, through traditional low-intensity farming has conserved a habit supporting internationally important plant and animal communities, including many rare species. However,land use changes such as flood defence, land drainage, agricultural intensification and neglect have caused a considerable reduction in the extent and biodiversity of European wet grasslands. The international importance of the habitat for biodiversity conservation has recently been recognised with its inclusion in the European Union Habitats and Species Directive and the Convention on Biological Diversity fostered by the United Nations. This volume thoroughly examines European perspectives of wet grassland ecology in order to encourage an integrated approach to contemporary issues. Important topics covered include the status of wet grasslands in Europe, their biodiversity (plants, invertebrates and birds), hydrology and management (especially for conservation objectives), and the restoration of this threatened habitat. It combines prescriptive, analytical and reviewing contributions, including case studies from across Europe. As such, this book will appeal equally to academic institutions and professional practitioners.

Agriculture, alpine, global change, nutrients, farming

This book addresses the fundamental requirement for aninterdisciplinary catchment based approach to managing andprotecting water resources that crucially includes anunderstanding of land use and its management. In thisapproach the hydrological cycle links mountains to the sea, andecosystems in rivers, groundwaters, lakes, wetlands, estuaries andcoasts forming an essential continuum directly influenced by humanactivity. The book provides a synthesis of current and future thinking incatchment management, and shows how the specific problems thatarise in water use policy can be addressed within the context of anintegrated approach to management. The book is written for advancedstudents, researchers, fellow academics and water sectorprofessionals such as planners and regulators. The intention is tohighlight examples and case studies that have resonance not onlywithin natural sciences and engineering but with academicsin other fields such as socio-economics, law and policy.

This Handbook, first published in 2005, provides standard procedures for planning and conducting a survey of any species or habitat and for evaluating the data.

The Hydrology of the UK assesses the changing hydrology of the UK, focusing on key issues that affect the fundamental hydrological processes and have important implications for water resource management, flood risk and environmental quality. The bookis divided into 3 sections: Section 1 examines the causes of change to the hydrology of the UK, including the impact of climate change, land use and geomorphological change, and dam construction. Section 2 assesses the effects of these pressures on UK rivers, goundwater, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and wetlands, looking at water quality, degradation, pollution and protection. Section 3 examines the responses of goverment organisations responsible for planning and management of water, including Environment Agencies, British Hydrological Society and the growing urgency for a World Hydrology Initiative. Change will continue to be a major feature of UK hydrology in the future. This book provides an understanding of the changing hydrology of the UK and the international scene today and looks to the needs for the future.

A fully comprehensive, modern field guide to all of the bird species in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Featuring numerous colour illustrations and detailed descriptions of the key identification features, the book will be equally valuable for ornithologists and birdwatchers.

Periplus is proud to present the first comprehensive photographic guide to the birds of the Indian subcontinent. This ebook offers over 800 species and distinct sub-species and contains over 1,000 full-color photographs. Each species has a distribution map. Many of the photographs in this magnificent volume appear for the first time and have been carefully selected to show the most important features of the species illustrated. In several cases, different plumages or flight shots are included. The concise text provided vital information on the plumages, voice and habits of each species covered and includes new information. Over a hundred related species are also mentioned in the texts. The maps are accompanied by a note on the status and distribution. This ebook will enable accurate field identification in one of the world's most diverse avifaunal regions. Indispensable reading for all bird lovers.

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka and India is the best, most comprehensive photographic guide to the birds of South Asia. Because of its vast size and geographical location, the Indian subcontinent has some of the world's most diverse avifauna. It boasts of thousands of species. This birdwatching book covers over 800 species and distinct sub-species and contains over 1,000 full-color photographs. Each species has a distribution map Many of the photographs in this magnificent volume appear for the first time and have been carefully selected to show the most important features of the species illustrated. In several cases, different plumages or flight shots are included. The concise text provides vital information on the plumages, voice and habits of each species are also mentioned in the texts. The maps are accompanied by a note on the status and distribution. This birdwatching book will enable accurate field identification in one of the world's most diverse avifaunal regions. Indispensable reading for all bird lovers.