Data copyright © Surrey Archaeological Society unless otherwise stated
This work is licensed under the ADS Terms of Use and Access.
Surrey Archaeological Society
Castle Arch
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 3SX
UK
Tel: 01483 532454
Fax: 01483 532454
The results of palaeoecological analyses and historical research are used to reconstruct the vegetational history of Oldhall Copse, Old Woking, Surrey. The value of this combined approach is central to this paper. Sediment samples taken from the moat surrounding the site, and the stewponds within, reflect essentially local pollen assemblages and these are compared with site-specific documentary evidence in an attempt to identify major land use changes. The moat record contains evidence of medieval and later cereal production, probably winter wheat, and the contemporary character of the farm as predominantly grassland. The stewpond record shows evidence of Corylus coppicing over a considerable period followed by the cessation of active coppicing and the resultant unchecked growth of the stools. The relative merits and value of the palynological and documentary evidence are considered.
<