Archaeological and environmental change on prehistoric Dartmoor—current understanding and future directions

Although Dartmoor appears an ideal location for combined archaeological and palaeoecological study there are considerable periods of prehistory for which understanding of landscape change remains poor. Proposed models of vegetation change during the Mesolithic period are discussed, but particular emphasis is given to the dearth of knowledge about the Neolithic as a whole, the termination of the use of the reaves and associated field and settlement systems, and the ensuing late Bronze Age and Iron Age, during which it is assumed that much of Dartmoor became depopulated. From an examination of present understanding and archaeological/palaeoecological potential, it is argued that significant advances will only be made by fresh excavations employing a range of modern techniques, which target specific questions, especially those relating to improved chronological understanding.