Fine‐resolution pollen‐analytical study of H olocene woodland dynamics and land use in north S ligo, I reland

The results of detailed pollen‐analytical investigations of a core fromLoughDargan,Co.Sligo,Ireland are presented. The pollen diagram spans much of the postglacial and documents changes in woodland composition and cover, and farming activity. Special attention is paid to prehistoric farming and to the significance of cereal‐type pollen. The first sign of arable farming coincides with theElmDecline atc.3760BC. This earlyNeolithic farming phase extended overc.750 years, the mainLandnam phase having a duration of∼700 years. After a break of about three centuries,Neolithic farming resumed. LateNeolithic farming was at first predominantly pastoral, but later (c.2360–2130BC) it had a distinct arable component. In the earlyBronzeAge, beginningc.2130BC, farming increased and woodland was substantially reduced for the first time. From then until the beginning of the lateIronAge (c.80BC), there was a sustained and strong human impact. In the lateIronAge, a distinct lull in pastoral farming lasted for about four centuries (c.80BC–AD350). This facilitated woodland regeneration that included yew. Substantial woodland clearance, and farming that included a considerable arable component, characterized theMedieval and later periods. The changes recorded atL.Dargan and other sites in the region are discussed in the light of evidence for climate change provided by regional and super‐regional climate proxies. It is argued that climate may not have been a decisive factor in determining human impact and farming activity.