A stratigraphic and palynological investigation of the fen deposits at Cors Wern Goch, Coedydd Aber NNR, North Wales

Hughes, P.D.M. and Grant, M.J. (2005) A stratigraphic and palynological investigation of the fen deposits at Cors Wern Goch, Coedydd Aber NNR, North Wales (Reports from PLUS, 2005/01) Southampton, UK. PLUS 22pp.

Record type: Monograph (Project Report)

Abstract

An outline transect of cores was placed across Cors Wern Goch to investigate the constituents of the fen peat deposits and to identify an appropriate location for a palynological assessment core. The stratigraphy of the site showed several distinctive phases of mineral in-washing into the fen from the adjacent field boundary. A one metre deep peat core was sampled through the marginal fen peat to investigate the potential of the pollen record. Preliminary results show that the sample site was once covered by Alnus fen carr woodland. A distinctive decline in the representation of Alnus and then Corylus is closely associated with an increase in the quantity of micro-charcoal in the sediments, suggesting exploitation of the fen woodland or the adjacent land. Herb species in the pollen diagram also indicate a co-incident increase in pastoral activity near to the core site. Later there appears to be a partial abandonment of activities at Cors Wern Goch until recent times when pastoral land use intensified again. Radiocarbon dating of the deposits is required to provide a clear picture of the timing of events.

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