Synopses & Reviews
Hatfield Forest is an area of supreme interest and natural beauty. All the elements of a medieval forest survive, making it unique in England and possibly the world.
Oliver Rackham, OBE, prize-winning author of the highly acclaimed The History of the Countryside, has for many years made a special study of Hatfield Forest. He shows the importance of the Forest in itself and as a place reflecting many aspects of English history. He describes its natural history, discussing the wildlife associated with the Forest over the centuries, but he also deals with the human history, from early settlement in prehistoric times to the conservation issues of today. He traces the origins of the Forest and the importance of livestock and goes on to describe the Royal Forest, with all it's varied activities such as hunting, shooting and poaching, as well as violent disputes and crimes.
In The Last Forest Dr Rackham provides a profound and fascinating dimension to our understanding of history and the landscape.