Applications of palaeoecology in conservation

We review several case studies (water quality, upland management, woodland management) where palaeoecological data are able to contribute to current debate in conservation practice and ecology, as part of a wider consideration of the relationships between palaeoecology and conservation. We conclude that, although there are structural and inherent barriers that currently limit flow of information and collective working, the current environment of challenging policy targets and rapid environmental change makes better collaboration particularly urgent.