Flandrian Vegetational History of Little Loch Roag, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

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Abstract
The present environment and the treeless landscape of the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, are described, and the existing data on the vegetational history of the Outer Hebrides are briefly reviewed. The present vegetation, sediment lithology, radiocarbon dating and pollen stratigraphy of a valley mire at the south end of Little Loch Roag, Lewis, are described. The pollen sequence studied extends from the present day to 9140 .+-. 140 BP. Three local pollen zones with 3 subzones are delimited on the basis of numerical-zonation procedures. The vegetational history of the environs of Little Loch Roag is reconstructed. The most striking feature is the absence of any forest development throughout the Flandrian, presumably as a result of intensive exposure to westerly gales. Prior to 5000 BP the vegetation appears to have been a mosaic of grassland, heath, and tall-herb communities with willows and ferns, and with occasional birch and hazel copses in locally favorable situations. In the last 4000 yr, human activities appear to have favored the expansion of heather moor, the reduction of willow scrub and tall-herb communities, and the spread of grassland and pasture.

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