Peatland Ecology and Archaeology

Contains the proceedings and invited papers from the 1997 Sheffield Conference of the Landscape Conservation Forum.

From extensive tracts of ‘wild’ moorland, to ancient peat diggings in the Norfolk Broads, peatlands have long been of great importance to both people and wildlife. To some, they are wastelands, yet to others they have provided grazing and fuel, spiritual refreshment, an irreplaceable historic and prehistoric record and unique wildlife habitat. Whatever their value, they are globally a very localised type of landscape, for which Britain holds a significant proportion of the world resource.

This seminar aimed to explore the value of peatlands, both currently and historically; to examine how people have influenced them, and how they in tum influenced people; and to consider future management of these areas in order to conserve their cultural and wildlife significance. It drew on a wide range of experience from archaeologists to ecologists, and historical geographers, considering a diversity of peatland environments.

This volume consists of the abstracts and full papers presented at the event, together with invited contributions on the theme. Unfortunately, for both personal and professional reasons, not all the contributors to the day, were able to provide written papers. Brian Eversham gave an interesting insight into the invertebrates of lowland peat sites, but this is not presented here. André Berry made some very important points about conservation and the impacts of industrial exploitation. Again only an abstract is presented. This volume will be of interest to all those with an interest in, or involvement in, all aspects of upland and lowland ‘peatland’ environments, their landscapes and their management. Chris Howkins is thanked for permission to use line drawings from his excellent book Heathland Harvest.