The forest landscape before farming.

Kirby, K. J.; Watkins, Case

doi:10.1079/9781780643373.0033

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Evidence from pollen and insect assemblages indicates that pre‐agricultural England, like other parts of western Europe, was largely dominated by closed‐canopy forest albeit with open areas presumably created and maintained by localized disturbance such as landslips, floods, anthropogenic burning and possibly grazing (Warren & Key ; Groves et al . ; Kirby & Watkins ). There were thus relatively limited opportunities for open‐habitat species before forest clearance for agriculture and livestock began in the Neolithic ( c .…”

Section: Historic Perspectives To Inform Species Conservationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human activities and biodiversity opportunities in pre‐industrial cultural landscapes: relevance to conservation

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Williamson

Barnes

et al. 2016

Journal of Applied Ecology

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Summary1. Conservation practices in Europe frequently attempt to perpetuate or mimic the 'traditional' forms of management of semi-natural habitats, but with a limited understanding of what these entailed. 2. We review the emerging understanding of ecological processes, structures and management interventions that enhance biodiversity (wildlife) at diverse scales. These are then examined in the context of pre-industrial (c. 1200-1750) land management systems in lowland England, in order to identify historic practices which are likely to have provided important wildlife resources, but which are relatively neglected in current conservation management. 3. Principles enhancing alpha and beta diversity and the conservation status of threatened species include structural complexity and heterogeneity at nested spatial scales; physical disturbance and exposure of mineral substrate; nutrient removal; lengthened successional rotations; and spatial variation in grazing regimes. 4. The available evidence suggests that pre-industrial land management was generally characterized by intense resource exploitation and significant levels of biomass harvest; complex nested structural heterogeneity both between and within landscape elements; overlaying of multiple land uses; and spatial and temporal variability in management, rendering the concept of long-lived 'traditional' practice problematic. Grazing patterns are poorly understood, but intensive grazing was probably the norm in most contexts, potentially resulting in simplified sward structures and suppressed ecotonal vegetation. 5. In much of the pre-industrial period, early-successional and disturbed microhabitats were widespread, but ungrazed or lightly grazed herb-rich vegetation may have been limited, the converse of current conservation management. The key change since then has been homogenization at multiple scales, coupled with reduction of specific niches and conditions. 6. Synthesis and applications. In adopting perceived 'traditional' management practices, modern conservation rarely achieves the range and complexity of conditions that were present in the past. A better understanding of past practices allows more favourable management of those surviving semi-natural habitats where historic assemblages persist -with greater emphasis on physical disturbance and variability in prescriptions both temporally and spatially. When creating or restoring habitats, after interruption of management sufficiently long for dependent assemblages to be lost, better appreciation of historic management encourages novel forms of intervention to enhance biodiversity, with emphasis on complex structural and spatial heterogeneity at nested scales, biomass removal and nutrient reduction. These strongly management-based approaches are complementary to the use of large herbivores to create and maintain dynamic ecotonal mosaics in the manner advocated by some proponents of 'rewilding'.

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Section: Historic Perspectives To Inform Species Conservationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human activities and biodiversity opportunities in pre‐industrial cultural landscapes: relevance to conservation

Fuller

Williamson

Barnes

et al. 2016

Journal of Applied Ecology

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“…The density of the tree cover that developed has recently become a matter of conjecture, with the traditional view that this was dense and continuous [8] being challenged in recent years due to the work in other parts of Europe (for example, see [6]). Kirby and Watkins [9] consider that, prior to the Neolithic period, tree cover in England probably ranged between 60 and 90% but with some parts being much more open. Although undoubtedly early man had some impact on local areas, around 3100 BC more extensive evidence of human impact on the English landscape starts to be found.…”

Section: Historical Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Management of Trees in the Wood Pasture Systems of South East England

Read¹,

Bengtsson²

2019

Silvicultures - Management and Conservation

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This chapter outlines the history and past management of trees within the wood pasture systems of South East England. Changes over time are discussed, and the challenges that the trees now face are outlined along with some potential solutions. Wood pasture was a common and traditional form of management in South East England although the conservation significance of it has only recently been realised. The types of wood pasture included wooded commons, Forests and parks, all of which have quite precise historical meanings. Many trees in wood pastures were managed as pollards, probably mainly for fuel wood, but some were open-grown. The number of trees has declined, and the area of wood pasture has diminished due to development pressure and agricultural intensification. Despite this, the area remains important in a European context for the number of old trees. In addition, lack of traditional management is a threat to tree and wood pasture survival. Restoration of grazing using traditional livestock is an important first step. New skills are required to work on trees that have been left many years out of a regular pollarding cycle, and new uses for the products will be important to help these trees become relevant again.

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