If the countryside was allowed to revert back to forest...

[Burko]

There'd be brambles everywhere I reckon.

[ForestPaul]

A fascinating topic Deb, thanks for bringing it up.

Originally Posted by Deb London

So if the countryside was left to its own devices, let's say for 1000 years, is it fair to say that many species would die out?

If you removed all human activity, including grazing by sheep, then the landscape would certainly change radically due to the loss of grassland, which isn't a natural feature but one that exists largely due to humans. Woodland would eventually predominate and get more homogeneous, with the trees suited to the soil and climate in a particular region out-competing all others.

It's a reminder that the huge variety of plants, animals and insects that we have in the UK are a result of human activity, not something that exists despite us.

[Fauna]

If you removed all human activity, including grazing by sheep, then the landscape would certainly change radically due to the loss of grassland, which isn't a natural feature but one that exists largely due to humans. Woodland would eventually predominate and get more homogeneous, with the trees suited to the soil and climate in a particular region out-competing all others.

I wonder what effect this Woodland would have on Britains climate, i suppose it would become wetter?

It's a reminder that the huge variety of plants, animals and insects that we have in the UK are a result of human activity, not something that exists despite us.

Its surprising how many species are reliant on our activity here in Britian. I was recently going to start a thread, what species would we expect to dissapear or thrive in Britain if we to up and leave. We here so many comments that Humans are bad, we destroy so much. I'm not saying this ain't true, but there are some positive things we do.

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by Deb London

So if the countryside was left to its own devices, let's say for 1000 years, is it fair to say that many species would die out?

No, it is not fair to say that.
As I said Deb, almost all species will find a place somewhere.
Agreed that some now 'common' species may become far less so, but they will survive. Remember that all native species were here before man took control of our lands, some have benefited since, others have struggled.

I remember discussing this with an ecologist some years ago, I was wondering where chalk-grassland species would find a habitat, as at present such habitats are so 'man-managed', or arable weeds for example.
He suggested that chalk plants would still be found on the areas above and below chalk cliffs, and on clearings on chalk downland where no doubt Rabbits will still do plenty of grazing, just as they do today; and arable weeds will thrive on ground disturbed by grazing animals, and on river-banks and around 'cliff-falls'.

There is no reason to think that any species will be lost.
Dorts.

[Deb London]

What about animals? For example, I read that some of our butterflies need very specific requirements to survive.

[Gill Catton]

I think its possible that alot of open habitats would remain so - where the grazing pressure is sufficent that is. Look at the plains of Africa and the Americas. Especially as the large predators are gone (except us) there wouldn't be a great deal to regulate the poplulations of ponies, deer etc. Deer are very good at removing saplings as are rabbits.

I think though yes species probably would be lost, those in isolated pockets of habitat with poor dispersal skills being most at risk.

[artdemole]

The Saxon people had lot to answer for in clearing land.Should be interesting to see what was around then.

[ForestPaul]

Originally Posted by artdemole

The Saxon people had lot to answer for in clearing land.Should be interesting to see what was around then.

I don't know what the Saxons have got to do with it - woodland clearance started in the Neolithic age, accelerated in the Bronze age and by the end of the Iron age (circa 2000 BC) over 50% of Britain had been deforested (cf. Oliver Rackham).

[basquesteve]

I imagine Britain would look like France and Germany do now in many areas Obviously altitude geology and rainfall will have a great effect


If there had been no boats perhaps a few million Elms

[artdemole]

Lots of area were cleared By Saxons for their houses ,farmsteads.furniture ,tools and stockades.Hence the names of places ending in ley or leigh meaning a CLEARING...