The project traces the cultural changes in European botanic gardens with special reference to those in Britain, from the early days of medicine to more recent habitat creations and from plant taxonomy through to the new science of plant ecology. The main aim was to identify which British botanic gardens contribute to the biodiversity, conservation and display of British flora. Another important part was to :find out the opinions of the botanic garden administration and the informed public, thereby discovering the merits, validity and impact of British habitat creation within the botanic garden situation. First-hand investigations were made into the types of habitat which have, or are being, created, discovering habitat definition and the principles behind habitat creation as well as the value that these habitats have for conservation and education. During the research period, out of the listed botanic gardens, twelve botanic gardens were found to contribute in a major way to British Habitat Creation, most of them being influenced by their geographical position. A small number show some evidence of British habitat representation but not in a sufficiently comprehensive manner for detailed study. Botanic gardens are becoming more aware of the recovery, maintenance and preservation of genetic purity of native species. For further reform to take place there is a need to review training programmes to include principles of British conservation as well as co-ordinated action between national and local wildlife groups and to improve interpretation and display in order to encourage public interest in British habitats.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:553113 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Hickey, Michael |
| Publisher | University of Reading |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
Page generated in 0.0017 seconds