The land around a forest. The fringe. It once was included as part of a forest and subject to forest rules and regulations (at the time, mostly concerning hunting). This is wise: for we can show that the boarders of an environment are important for the health of that environment. Due to what we now call "edge effects", habitat fragmentation, et cetera. Certain plants and animals proliferate along the thin, unique ecosystems that is the boundary between two distinct ecosystems. Those who cannot thrive committed to one or the other.
In this day of dwindling habitats, "Purlieu" is a word that could have great use. More study could be done on the purlieus of the world.
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