I have been reading Kenneth B. Cumberland’s 1981 book Landmarks recently. The book, which was published in parallel with a television series of the same name,* is a colourful presentation (both in the literal and metaphorical sense) of Cumberland’s views on New Zealand’s environmental history, supplemented by many photographs and illustrations. Some of the archaeological and palaoecological information is now somewhat outdated (for instance, the dates that humans first settled New Zealand and other radio-carbon dates), but it is nevertheless a highly worthwhile read – (more…)
February 11, 2012
Christchurch – a city built on buried forests?
Posted by envirohistorynz under book review, commentary | Tags: buried forest, Christchurch, erosion, fires of Tamatea, Kenneth Cumberland, Landmarks, Maori impact on the environment, moa-hunters, prehistoric deforestation, Waimakariri River |1 Comment
May 18, 2012
What is a groyne? (And what’s it got to do with environmental history?)
Posted by envirohistorynz under commentary | Tags: Christchurch, deforestation, erosion, flood control, groynes, Manawatu River, The Groynes, Waimakariri River, willows |[2] Comments
Had I had the curiosity to investigate, I would have found out that “The Groynes” derives its name from large blocks, made from concrete filled woolsacks, which were placed in the (more…)
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