| Abstract: | A palaeoecological investigation in the Bodø area (Salten, Nordland) records a shift from Betula-dominated forest to mostly treeless vegetation during the last 4000 years. Corylus avellana, now at its northern limits in this region, was previously more abundant within the area. Deforestation started c. 3500–3000 BP, most likely connected to human activity during the early Bronze Age. After the onset of anthropogenic disturbance, heathland was established, initially with a dominance of Calluna vulgaris and Empetrum. Later on, c. 900 BP, Calluna was dominant. The heathland was probably subject to management, including burning. It should be viewed as a part of a northern extension of the western European heathland vegetation of the coast of SW Norway. |
