This thesis describes an in-depth study of limestone pavements across North West England and North Wales. The aim was to combine elements of geodiversity and biodiversity in order to create a holistic limestone pavement classification to inform future management. A field-based research protocol was used to assess a stratified random sample (46 pavements), accounting for approximately 10% of the limestone pavements in the geographical area. Detailed analyses of key elements are presented, along with important issues that continue to pose threats to this Annex One Priority Habitat. This research resulted in a comprehensive classification, using TWINSPAN analysis and Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling, identifying six distinct holistic functional groups. The prime factors driving limestone pavement morphology, and hence the classification, were established to be lithology, proximity to structural fault, altitude and human intervention, particularly in terms of grazing intensity. Three upland, open limestone pavement classes were formed. Of these, the richest in terms of geodiversity and biodiversity was the group with the thickest bedding planes and hence the deepest grikes, typically greater than 1m. The class that was most species-poor was "at the highest altitude (above 450m), formed on the thin limestones of the Yoredales. These were characterised by shallow, wide grikes. The third upland limestone pavement group had mid-range grikes, generally 0.5-1m in depth, and small clints. Two wooded classes were identified. One was a lowland 'classic' wooded limestone pavement group with deep, narrow grikes and shallow soils. Indicator species included Juniperus communis and Taxus baccata. The second wooded group was situated proximal to a major structural fault. In this group the pavement dip ranged between 10°-40° with well-runnelled clints that were heavily moss-covered. The sixth group was low altitude, proximal to the coast, characterised by low moss growth, un-vegetated clints and the presence of Ulex europaeus. Conservation management was identified as key to the quality of the limestone pavement habitat and this thesis identifies best management practises and links these to the holistic limestone pavement classification. Finally, as a sample case study, this thesis presents mollusc species and diversity from eleven of the Yorkshire limestone pavements. Analysis establishes significant links between geodiversity and mollusc populations, with key drivers for mollusc communities echoing those of plant species on limestone pavement.

En France, les espaces boisés périurbains font l'objet d'une forte demande sociale en tant qu'espaces récréatifs. Ces nouvelles demandes sont exprimées notamment par des pratiques renouvelées,sportives ou de ressourcement. De leur côté, les collectivités territoriales ont su aménager de nouveaux espaces forestiers plus proches des villes, très appréciés des habitants. Des usagers ont été interviewés dans les espaces boisés de trois villes moyennes, sur leurs usages et sur la justification de ces pratiques. Cela a permis de préciser des différences entre les espaces boisés suburbains et les forêts domaniales plus vastes mais plus éloignées des villes. De même, on observe l'émergence d’un nouvel usage lié à la santé, tant au niveau des individus qu’au niveau des établissements de soins.Ces nouvelles pratiques conduisent à considérer les espaces forestiers périurbains comme des espaces prophylactiques. / In France and in Europe, periurban forests are subject to high social demands for recreationalpurposes. These demands take the form of frequent visits for sports or rest. Local governmentshave succeeded in creating new wooded parks close to cities that are highly appreciated by thepopulation. A survey was run on visitors to forests around three mid-sized cities, addressingwhat they do in the forests and why. The answers revealed differences between suburban parksand larger national forests located farther from the cities. New approaches targeting health mayalso be observed on the part of both individuals and the health sector. These new approachesindicate the existence of a wellness function in periurban forests.