Holocene expansion of the Caledonian pinewoods: spatial and temporal patterns at regional and landscape scales

Background To facilitate climatic change adaptation, landscape and conservation managers require understanding of spatio-temporal patterns expansion potential dominant species. Studying past expansions canopy-dominant trees can contribute such understanding.Aims Test hypotheses about dominants using as a model the mid-Holocene forests dominated by Pinus sylvestris in Scottish Highlands.Methods Pollen analysis radiocarbon dating Holocene sediments larger basin several small hollows were performed three landscapes along north–south transect. A records timing at scale, whilst evidence within-landscape patterns.Results Vegetation existing prior to pinewoods influenced landscape-scale P. sylvestris. Open vegetation generally was invaded earlier and/or greater extent; invasion often later, or did not occur, where woodland with substantial temperate broadleaved tree shrub component (e.g. Corylus avellana, Quercus spp.) present. Most hollows, just those became locally established, recorded during expansion. Some present forest composition established that time.Conclusions provides relevant planning management ecological adaptation species adjust their distributions abundances response change.