Woodland History Detectives

How can you start to decipher the history of a woodland? This online event will lift the lid on resources and approaches used to walk back through time...

Using examples from Dumfries & Galloway and further afield, Coralie Mills from Dendrochronicle will take us through the steps used to investigate, interpret and understand a range of old wooded landscapes, discovering how what we see today has been shaped by the past. From historic maps and other online resources through to on-site observations of tree-forms and archaeology, and specialist analysis of tree-ring records, the use of multiple strands of evidence allows the story of a woodland to be 'read'.

Looking backwards at the history of a woodland helps us look forward to consider topics such as resilience and climate adaptation. Understanding how a woodland has evolved can also inform appropriate conservation management measures.

Dumfries and Galloway has a diverse wealth of historic woodlands, including medieval hunting forests, ancient wood pastures and early plantations, This online talk will introduce approaches to help you learn more about the history of woods in your own area.

This event forms part of the programme of winter talks being delivered by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, using funds from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands (SCIO 052525) is a new membership organisation supporting trees, woodlands and the people that depend upon them in the region. Partners include Dumfries & Galloway Council, Borders Forest Trust, Woodland Trust Scotland and Scottish Forestry. For more information, visit www.dgwoodlands.org.uk.

(Photo: Dr Coralie Mills observing a coppiced ash tree on an old enclosure bank around Barhill Wood, near Kirkcudbright. Photo Credit: Peter Quelch)