Plagioclimax UK- North York Moors

Question 1

Created by human activities

Answer 1

Used to be oak forest with small amounts of heather
5000 years ago woodland cleared for animals and crops
4000-2000 y/a remaining woodland cleared so reduce soil quality=no farming
Poor soil quality so hardy shrub only= heather
1000 y/a sheep grazing removed other competition so heather grew easier

Question 2

Maintained by human activities

Answer 2

Carefully maintained for enviro and economic reason= rare plants, sundew and spotted orchid rare birds, merlot and golden plover
Without maintain would return to deciduous woodland
Maintained by- controlled burning each year in 8-15 year rotation, sheep grazing