Whither Working Oak Woodlands?

Abstract

Comparative research into the human-maintained economic and ecological systems referred to as working landscapes is a rarity in the literature. Nonetheless, developing such comparisons is the end goal of this book. Altogether, 44 field scientists are contributing authors, with some appearing in multiple contributions, but others spelling out the specific knowledge crucial to just one part of a single chapter. In this final commentary, the book’s editors lay out the conclusions attained in this extended inquiry, suggest research needs and lessons learned, and raise the issue of policies that are needed, some urgently, to support oak woodland working landscapes. We recognize a number of takeaway lessons from this long-term project, including advances in economic analysis that make it possible to assess the total economic value of a landscape. We have come to, as we journeyed through the production of this volume, an overall conclusion that seems to us important: Just because two places appear similar hardly means that they are alike; oftentimes the variations are far more than skin deep. But with that as an initial concession, it pays to acknowledge how much can be learned from comparative research that matches physical, cultural, historical, economic, and geographical features, and then carefully places likenesses and departures side-by-side, in a deliberate attempt to learn across oceans, landscapes, economies, and societies.