ABSTRACT
‘Science doesn't stand still’ is a phrase I have used frequently for many years. It is certainly very true in the world of the natural environment and its ecology. Frans Vera's studies condensed ideas from his long-term research and his book Grazing Ecology and Forest History in 2000 opened so many doors and windows for open-minded naturalists. To this end, rather than wasting time defending Vera with the sceptics, I want to discuss some of the questions raised and the potential answers proposed. His study has become a springboard for inspiring positive research into many aspects of his work and related fields. A good example is perhaps that our oaks are pivotal in developing his work and were in fact one of the main reasons for his original studies. In explaining that oak and pine are very light-demanding species, which would subsequently lead to their eventual demise in woodlands when in competition with shade-tolerant species such as beech and hornbeam, has led to the answering of so many questions in ecology.
