Transition of Woodlands around Farmyards at Settlements in the Northwestern Part of the Kanto Plain

Abstract

Farming families on the plains of Japan arrange small forest-like woodlands in their farmyards and villages; these woodlands are called "Yashikirin." While Yashikirin have various functions, geographers are interested in their windbreak function, and have conducted many studies. In recent Yashikirin studies, researchers consider Yashikirin conservation and report that woodland use affects sustainability. On the other hand, recent research on normal forests analyzes forest ownership with the goal of sustainable maintenance. However, in the case of agglomerated settlements, these man-made woodlands can be regarded as normal forests because they are dense and cover relatively large areas. Area variations and ownership of woodlands are investigated with aerial photography, cadaster, and interviews referring to agglomerated settlements in northern Saitama, which experience strong, cold, and dry winds in winter. Combined with meteorological data, the sustainability of these woodlands and their effects on micro-climates are clarified. In some cases, the owner of a woodland at the northern edge of a village does not reside next to it, but in a remote area within the village. In such cases, it becomes difficult for the owner to manage the woodland; as a result, the woodland tends to decline. These woodlands function as windbreaks to protect the entire village from strong winds. Yashikirin have various purposes, but due to socioeconomic changes, they are only used as windbreaks or boundaries between neighboring houses.