The composition of woodlands in Cumbria

In pre-historic times, Cumbria was almost completely
c6vered with woodland which, as described by Satchell
(see page 2), was progressively and Selectively
cleared by man for agricultural purposes. These factors
have led to patches of woodland being left on land
with the lowest value for agriculture. The remaining, or
ancient, woodland is often on steep slopes and shallow
soils, so it is difficult to appreciate the original
woodland composition across Cumbria as a whole.
The area of woodland probably reached its lowest
point towards the end of the 17th century, but since
.then it has been increasing; much of this increase has
been relatively recent and is coniferous in character.
The expansion of woodland cover has provided shelter
for deer which have increased in the last 50 years.
Whilst there are no comparable records for other
woodland animals (eg birds), their numbers also have
probably increased, at the expense of moorland species,
as haS occurred elsewhere in Britain.
The primary environmental influence in Cumbria is the
climate, which is relatively mild even in -winter,- with
high rainfall throughout the year, reaching a maximum
in winter. This oceanic climate determines the overall
composition of the flora and fauna in the area. Another
general influence is the island status of Britain, which
haS restricted immigration of species, in comparison
with other mountainous areas in Europe. At a local
level within the county, it is usually the soil nutrient
and moisture status which is critical in determining the
vegetation composition, but this is overridden in upland
areas by the influence of altitude, which restricts
the distribution of some species.