When people think of the English landscape they think of rolling green countryside, of fields, and hedgerows, of wildflowers, and of small farms. But to what extent do these images reflect reality? This lushly illlustrated volume traces the development of the English landscape from earliest times to the present day. A group of distinguished scientists and historians give thier views on all aspects of the shaping of the land, millions of years ago to the effects of towns and industry; from ancient woodland, hedges, and flowers, to the threat posed by modern agriculture and forestry.