Mid to late Holocene vegetation and land use history in the Weald of south-eastern England: multiple pollen profiles from the Rye area

摘要: The High Weald is an unusually well-wooded area in southern England. A high proportion of this woodland ancient, being formerly exploited as seasonal pasture and coppice. Multiple pollen profiles from the Rye have been used to elucidate origins cultural landscape. By combining sites with small large source areas, both local regional patterns vegetation change determined. mid-Holocene Tilia-dominated woodlands were subjected temporary clearance early Neolithic. This was more extensively over a ca. 700 year period beginning Bronze Age. main elements modern landscape (woodland, limited cultivation) can be traced back intensive phase human activity, which commenced late increase Fagus sylvatica 750 B.C. probably reflects use Wealden woods for pasturage. There no palynological evidence that fuel demands Roman iron industry resulted widespread destruction. Anglo-Saxon appears one land-use continuity, second at A.D. corresponding historical presence wood-pastures Weald.