UK Countryside history - 5,000 BC
Around 8,000 years ago the temperature warmed again and sea levels rose,
separating the UK from mainland Europe. With a warm and wet climate, dense climax woodland consisting of lime and oak developed covering much of the UK.
- Population
40,000
- Crops
No farmed crops but the population exploited plants producing fruits, berries
and seeds.
- Livestock
None but large wild cattle, red deer, boar and elk were all hunted. Fish
and water birds were also important in the diet. Dogs would have been kept
to help with hunting and guarding.
- Farming Systems
Hunter gatherers remained nomadic but would have started to make larger
clearings in the woodland in order to drive and catch prey.
- Woodland & Hedges
Dense woodland covering most of the country.
- Social Economy
Despite the formation of the channel, trade and social contact with mainland
Europe would have been maintained amongst coastal communities with a constant
criss crossing of boats. In the UK most of the country was occupied although
we have only little evidence of settlements for this period.
- Climate
Wet and much warmer, possibly by as much as 3°centigrade.
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