A pollen diagram from Pitbladdo,Fife

Summary

Pollen analytical data are presented from a site near Cupar, Fife. The stratigraphy and pollen spectra are used to infer the changing patterns of vegetation in the area during the Lateglacial and Postglacial periods. In the Lateglacial Interstadial the local development of Betula-Juniperus scrub was followed by a period of open habitat during the colder Loch Lomond Stadial. The early Postglacial forest was dominated by Corylus and Betula, although Ulmus was also a major woodland component before the arrival of Alnus. Following some initial deforestation due to anthropogenic activity, subsequent woodland clearance was almost total and open habitat communities dominated.