The Ecology, Land Use and Conservation of the Cairngorms
Edited by Charles Gimingham
Synopsis
The Cairngorms are the jewel in the crown of Scotland’s natural heritage. The mountain core ranks high among the areas of near-natural and semi-natural ecosystems in Britain, supporting tundra-like or arctic-alpine plant and animal communities and providing important refuges for many rarities. The lower ground has a long history of different land uses which have supported several thriving settlements. Overall the area has become a magnet for visitors seeking the stimulus of remote wilderness or of outdoor pursuits such as walking, nature study and skiing, as well as fishing, deer-stalking and grouse-shooting. With the attraction to visitors and residents alike come familiar economic and conservation problems, and so government has proposed that the Cairngorms now need the protection and regulation afforded by National Park status. This book, edited by an expert on the area, brings together contributions by twenty distinguished scientists, land economists, foresters, agriculturists and conservationists. It thus combines the different strands of the Cairngorms ‘story’ and provides the background information and references for further academic research and managerial and legislative decisions.
This book is part of a series on Vulnerable and Threatened Environments.
... The language is not too technical for the general public and makes a very pleasant read for anyone who is interested in the subjects [see contents below]. Professional people should be able to update and expand their knowledge of this most wonderful part of Britain
Botanical Society of Scotland News
...This well-edited book provides an important academic background to the region and its problems, and will be indispensable to anyone interested in the way in which our mountain landscapes are used and abused
British Wildlife
...This book highlights the immense ecological value of the Cairngorms, and their need for protection in the face of many competing and often incompatible land-use demands
Bulletin of the British Ecological Society
This book was recommended reading for an Edexel A-level special Geography paper in 2009
Contents
Introduction, C. H. Gimingham. Part 1 The Ecological Basis: The Physical Geography, I. M. Brown & C. M. Clapperton; Vegetation, C. H. Gimingham; Birds and Mammals, R. Dennis; Insects of the Cairngorms, M. R. Young & K. R. Watt; Ecology of Aquatic and Sub-aquatic Habitats, M. B. Davidson, R. P. Owen and D. W. Mackay. Part 2 Key Issues: Land Use in the Cairngorms, D. M. Shucksmith; Agriculture, K. J. Thomson; The Native Woodlands – History, Decline and Present Status, N. A. Mackenzie; Man and Woodlands, J. Atterson and I. Ross; Red Deer and Their Management in the Cairngorms, B. W. Staines & R. Balharry; Grouse and Moorland Management, P. J. Hudson; Fish Populations, R. Gardiner and D. W. Mackay; Open Air Recreation in the Cairngorms, J. W. Mackay; Conservation of Nature and Landscape, E. M. Matthew. Part 3: The Future of the Cairngorms: Towards and Integrated Management Strategy, C. H. Gimingham; The Future of the Cairngorms, C. H. Gimingham. Index.
The Editor
Charles Gimingham is a botanist and plant ecologist who spent most of his working life on the staff of the Botany Department of the University of Aberdeen. He retired in 1988. He was President of the British Ecological Society, 1986–7, a member of the Countryside Commission for Scotland, 1980–91, and served on the North East Regional Board of Scottish Natural Heritage and on its Scientific Advisory Committee. In 1990 he was awarded the OBE for services to the Countryside Commission for Scotland. His main scientific interests are the ecology of the uplands of Scotland and western Europe, coastal ecology and the scientific basis of nature conservation.
Date of publication: 17 April 2002
ISBN (casebound edition): 978 185341 102 1 – paperback now out of print
Pages: 264 with 101 colour and black & white photos; maps, figures, tables and graphs
Dimensions: A4 – 297 x 210 mm; weight: 1.250 kilos
Price (hardback only): £25.00