Past and present mire communities of the New Forest and their conservation

Abstract

The origin, development, present status and conservation of the New Forest valley mires are investigated. Existing hypotheses of peat inception are tested and methodological problems are examined. A null model for peat inception has logical primacy over other causal hypotheses of mire origins and provides a framework for investigation. The proximate cause of valley mire formation is related to the present water regime. The stratigraphic record may be much simpler than the real history of New Forest mire communities.Methods of macrofossil analysis are critically reviewed and are developed for vegetative remains. Valley mire development is investigated from the Lateglacial. The direction of succession is differentiated within the mire system and most communities have a high probability of self-replacement. Discussion is extended to the theoretical basis of palaeoecology.Mire vegetation composition and the heathland transition are studied using ordination and classification techniques. The community types obtained are compared with other classificatory schemes. Although composition is closely related to environment, internal features of the vegetation are also important in determining the main gradients of floristic variation.The nature conservation significance of the valley mires is discussed, and the ecological characteristics used in evaluation are reviewed. Past and present management impacts are assessed. Grazing is important in maintaining the diversity of open mire communities, especially where Molinia is potentially dominant. The constraints on the grazing system are reviewed and it is concluded, from ecological and behavioural evidence, that the mires play an important role during limiting periods of the year. Drainage continues to damage the nature conservation interest of the mires - yet may be counter-productive or neutral in benefits.

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