Wytham Woods: Oxford’s Ecological Laboratory

Any student of ecology will have come across the name Wytham Woods at some point. Located to the west of Oxford, and bequeathed to Oxford University in 1942, the woods have been the site for numerous ecological studies and experiments since that time. This fascinating book charts the history of the woods, describes the habitats therein and then presents, chapter by chapter, some of the research that has been carried out there. Each chapter is written by one of the key names in that research and covers the physical environment, the trees and flora, invertebrates, mammals, conservation management and, perhaps most familiar to BTO members, the birds. For anyone who has ever read of Wytham, its science and history this is a fascinating (if pricey) read.

Book reviewed by Su Gough