SOILS, VEGETATION AND LANDUSE CHANGE IN THE STAINMORE AREA OF THE NORTHERN PENNINES
Author(s): M McHugh
Close examination of the soils associated with a series of monuments in the Stainmore area suggests intermittent, though continued human activity on the margins of the upland plateau. Soils and radiocarbon dating suggest a phase of exploitation during mid- to late Bronze Age times. The area became increasingly marginal for agriculture during Iron Age times as soil conditions declined and the climate worsened, so that by the Iron Age/Roman British transition landuse was probably limited to low intensity pastoralism. The impact of the Romans on the landscape appears to be minimal in terms of agricultural activity. There is however, evidence for renewed agricultural activity beginning possibly circa 676 AD at lower altitudes (364m OD) and circa 979 AD in the area of the Bowes Moor field system. Subsequently the whole area has been utilized as rough grazings with grouse moors predominating to the north.
- Report Number:
- 45/1992
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 91
- Keywords:
- Soil/Sediment
