Environmental archives - buried ancient pollen

The history of landscape evolution since the end of the last glaciation is preserved in the layers of sediment that have accumulated within peat bogs and on the floors of lochs.  Pollen, plant fragments and insect remains preserved in these 'archives' have revealed much about environmental change, climate history and vegetation growth. The impact of human activity on the landscape through woodland clearance, soil erosion and acidification of water bodies is also recorded.

Such archives are vulnerable to land improvement changes, especially drainage of bogs and commercial peat extraction.

Scottish Natural Heritage can provide advice on the management and conservation of Scotlands environmental archives. We can be contacted through our Area Offices or our Earth Science Group.