Projected climate futures force us to rethink the way we approach nature. The concept of conservation breaks down as we are forced to consider a changing ecology, with new assemblages of species, and a shift from a relatively steady state to dynamic, continuous change. Our goal becomes the preservation of functioning natural systems, supporting the survival of species rather than the preservation of particular ecosystem types.

To what extent does this really change the way we manage nature in and around Oxfordshire? Humans have extensively modified the countryside, and crops, improved pastures and urban development have fragmented the landscape. In order to improve outcomes for nature, we have only a few simple options…