This is a definitive natural history of the Gower Peninsula, located to the south west of Swansea and often described as Wales in miniature. The area is unique in terms of the variety of the habitats and species that occur within its 188 square kilometres. As a result, it has a greater diversity of conservation designations than almost anywhere else in the UK. The natural history of Gower is like most parts of the British Isles - inextricably linked to the activities of man across many thousand years. In his study, Jonathan Mullard uses the evolving landscape and the effect that the associated changes have had on species and habitats as its core. The culmination of years of research and rich with the latest information and full colour illustrations, "Gower" is a valuable source of information on this diverse and fascinating area.
Jonathan Mullard is a professional ecologist who specialises in the management of protected areas. While he has contributed papers to conferences and seminars this is his first book. A naturalist from his early days, he is especially interested in coastal environments and common land. He spent a considerable part of his career in Gower and in 1996 organised a national conference to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the area's designation, which led directly to new legislation for AONBs. He is currently Director of Park Management for Northumberland National Park Authority. A keen collector of the New Naturalist series, he hopes that his contribution will increase awareness of the importance of the Gower landscape and the need for its conservation.