DISTURBANCE PHASES IN THE MIDHOLOCENE VEGETATION AT NORTH-GILL, NORTH-YORK-MOORS - FORM AND PROCESS

The results of a multi-profile analysis of disturbance phases using Fi ne Resolution Pollen Analysis (FRPA) are presented. The locale is the North Gill, a peat section 400 m long at an altitude of 370 m, and the time the mid-Holocene in a region known to have been occupied by late r Mesolithic and early Neolithic cultures during the time of peat accu mulation. Some of the fine detail of the FRPA is given and interpretat ions advanced which throw more light upon the probable manipulation of vegetation by human groups during the 5th millenium sp. It is conclud ed that the emphasis on hazel (Corylus avellana) as an object of veget ation management may need to be supplemented by that of the encouragem ent of a grassy ground flora in what was a mostly wooded environment. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited