Why is it important to plan for the natural environment at a whole-landscape scale and to connect wildlife habitats together? Why do planners need to look beyond protecting particular species and their habitats? Why should planners help nature to recolonise towns and cities and how can they best do this? In seeking to answer such questions, this book provides a grounding for planners and professionals in related fields in the key concepts associated with biodiversity and the natural environment, and in how to apply them in practice. It looks at how natural environment policy has shifted from the protection of rare species and nature reserves to a more holistic approach, based on biodiversity. Beginning with a brief history of environmental movements, the guide then focuses on changing approaches to conserving the natural environment. It explains environmental sustainability approaches as well as techniques for planners, using ideas such as environmental capacity and natural capital
