MAINTENANCE OF BIODIVERSITY and environmental quality through conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems are themes which resonate deeply with many biologists. While the ecological arguments stressing the need for habitat restoration are compelling, access to information on principles and specific techniques is limited. I was, therefore, very intrigued by the promise of a volume entitled theLandscape Restoration Handbook.When the book arrived, the first thing that struck me was the cover photo picturing a golf course on a misty morning. This did not necessarily meet my preconceived notions of a landscape restoration project, but did prompt me to turn to the forward to find out more about the purpose and background of this volume.