The Past and Present Vegetation of the Caenlochan National Nature Reserve, Scotland Ii. Palaeoecological Investigations

Abstract

SUMMARYThe existence within the Scottish Highlands of small areas of extreme floristic richness, especially with respect to taxa of northern and montane distribution patterns, is discussed. Possible hypotheses to account for the existence of such areas are considered and the importance of site history is stressed.Falaeoecological studies made at two sites within the Caenlochan N.N.R. are described. On the basis of these studies the past flora, vegetation and probable land-use are reconstructed for the Flandrian (post-glacial) period. Six chronological units are recognized within this period.The inferred floristic and vegetational history is compared with that for other sites. The conclusion is reached that the present rich flora and diverse vegetation of the Caenlochan N.N.R. represents the joint survival from late-glacial times of many montane taxa in a locality peculiarly suited to their needs and relatively undisturbed by man until the recent past.

Late-Quaternary Vegetation Dynamics of the Cairngorms

“…Progressive leaching of soils during the course of the Holocene may have been responsible for a gradual shift away from woodland towards peat growth at higher altitudes, but it is likely that human activities, especially the introduction of domesticated grazing animals, reduced woodland regeneration, and thus enabled or accelerated the transition to peat (Birks, 1988). For the Grampian mountains south of the Cairngorms, Huntley (1981) shows that grazing pressures of the last 200 years were particularly severe in reducing the extent of woodland (birch and hazel) at mid-altitude sites.…”

Postglacial history of alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) in the British Isles

“…The maps (Figs 2 and 3 Ubhansen, 1985); 2, Glims Moss (Keatinge and Dickson, 1979); 3, Loch of Winless (Peglar, 1979); 4, An Druim, Eriboll (H. H. Birks, in Birks, 1980); 5, Duartbeg (Moar, 1969a); 6, by Loch Assynt (H. H. Birks, in Birks, 1980); 7, Callanish (Bohncke, 1988); 8, by Little Loch Roag (Birks and Madsen, 1979); 9, Lochan Dubh (Kerslake, 1982); 10, Eilean Mor (Kerslake, 1982); 1 1, Loch Sionascaig (Pennington et a/., 1972); 12, Coire Bog (Birks, H. H., 1975); 13, Eilein Dubh na Sroine (Kerslake, 1982); 14, Eilean Subhainn Lochan (Kerslake, 1982); 15, Eilein Subhainn Bog (Kerslake, 1982); 16, Loch Maree (Birks, H. H., 1972); 17, Coille na Glas Leitire (Kerslake, 1982); 18, Loch Clair (Pennington et a / . , 1972); 19, by Loch Coultrie (H. H. Birks, unpublished); 20, Loch Cleat (Birks and Williams, 1983); 21, Loch Ashik (Birks and Williams, 1983); 22, Loch Meodal (Birks and Williams, 1983); 23, Allt na Feithe Sheilich (Birks, H. H., 1975); 24, Loch Pityoulish (O'Sullivan, 1976); 25, Abernethy Forest (Birks and Mathewes, 1978);26, Loch Garten (O'Sullivan, 1974); 27, Braeroddach Loch (Edwards, 1979); 28, Loch Einich (Birks, 1975); 29, Caenlochan Glen (Huntley, 1981); 30, Coire Fee (Huntley, 1981); 31, Lochan Doilead (W.…”

Quaternary palynology

“…The palynological study is intended as an independent treatment of questions raised by geomorphological study. In the paper on Caenlochan National Nature Reserve in Scotland by Huntley (1981), hypotheses are advanced to explain the distribution of mountain plant taxa. The palynological data collected may inter alia provide answers to the problems raised by the hypotheses, but the linkage between the hypotheses and inferences capable of being drawn from the palaeoecological data are uncertaina situation fully appreciated by Huntley.…”