Close anthropogenic control of Fagus sylvatica establishment and expansion in a Swedish protected landscape – implications for forest history and conservation

摘要: Aim   The dominant forces behind the expansion of Fagus sylvatica (beech) in northern Europe during late Holocene have been much debated. Palaeoecological analyses were performed for a biodiversity hotspot reserve order to study processes local establishment Fagus, as well historical vegetational development relation present-day and conservation. Location  Biskopstorp Forest Reserve south-west Sweden. Methods  Pollen charcoal analysed from three small-hollow sites reserve. Two investigated wetlands located adjacent old-growth stands third was near stand old Quercus. Results  The 2500-year record shows that first established around two sites, c. ad 900 1200, respectively, this followed by an ad 1600. During phase, more so there simultaneous increases types pollen indicative human activity. These indicators are also frequent throughout Quercus site, but here never became common. Main conclusions  dynamics seems influenced large degree activity, example selective cutting, human-induced fires, agriculture. than 1000 years after it regionally, making climate less probable force species’ stand-scale establishment. spreading across southern Scandinavia has previously shown be patchy process time space. Our suggests patchiness is evident at small spatial scale (a few kilometres). At relatively high amounts field layer indicate open conditions probably favoured Quercus. impact site too allow Fagus. With long-term perspective provided our possible identify last 200–300 years unrepresentative period with respect tree species composition forest dynamics. increase Picea locally regionally over several hundred years, combined dramatic levels impact, altered such extent active management necessary maintain