Adopting a sociological approach to forest policy and management, this book discusses the current validity of two underlying principles: that forestry should only exist when no better use of the land can be made and that forestry itself should be profitable.

Forestry has been witness to some dramatic changes in recent years, with several Western countries now moving away from the traditional model of regarding forests merely as sources of wood. Rather these countries are increasingly recognizing their forests as multi-purpose resources with roles which go far beyond simple economics. In this innovative book, Sylvie Nail uses England as a case study to explore the relationships between forests, society and public perceptions, raising important questions about forest policy and management both now and in the future.

Adopting a sociological...