Guide – The Flora and Fauna of Prehistoric Britain

The Flora and Fauna of Prehistoric Britain: A Global and Local Perspective

Before we delve into the appearance of humans on the landscape, it’s important to understand the flora and fauna that dominated the earth, and particularly Britain, during the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. The development of ecosystems in prehistoric times was heavily influenced by the global climatic shifts of the Ice Ages. As the planet cooled and warmed, plant and animal species had to adapt, migrate, or evolve. In Britain, this would have meant shifts from dense forests to more open tundra-like environments, providing a diverse and dynamic backdrop for the eventual arrival of humans.

This page will start with a broad overview of the global flora and fauna that influenced early Britain, then narrow in on the more specific plant and animal life that would have shaped the landscape of prehistoric Britain.

A Global Overview of Prehistoric Flora and Fauna

Flora Across the Globe:

During the Pleistocene, as glaciers advanced and retreated, plant life adapted to the harsh climate. The primary biomes of the time were tundra and steppe ecosystems, with scattered woodlands emerging in warmer interglacial periods.

Trees and shrubs were mainly concentrated in areas where the climate was more temperate, and these included pines, birches, and willows. Larger forests of oak and hazel would only emerge after the retreat of the glaciers during the Holocene.

Grasses and mosses dominated the colder regions, with the arctic tundra supporting hardy plants like lichens and low-growing shrubs.

Fauna Across the Globe:

Mammals during the Pleistocene were a mix of cold-adapted species and more temperate creatures. Large herbivores like mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses, and bison roamed the vast, open landscapes. They were preyed upon by large carnivores, including the cave lion, saber-toothed tiger, and dire wolf.

Smaller mammals included species such as hares, beavers, moles, and rodents, while migratory birds like the geese and eagles flourished in both the tundra and forested areas.

In the oceans, the megafauna of whales, seals, and walruses were common, thriving in cooler waters that supported diverse marine life.

Prehistoric Britain: A Changing Landscape

When considering Britain specifically, we need to think about how the shifting global climates influenced the local ecosystems. The islands of Britain were continually shaped by the movements of the ice sheets and the periodic climatic warming and cooling that defined the Pleistocene. By the time humans arrived, the landscape had been heavily altered by these climatic cycles.

Flora of Prehistoric Britain

Woodland Development:

By the time of the late glacial and early Holocene periods, the British Isles had transitioned from tundra and steppe landscapes to dense woodlands. The trees that dominated the landscape included oak, pine, birch, hazel, and willow, which formed a patchwork of forests and woodlands.

The early Holocene saw a gradual expansion of forests, driven by the warmer climate. Hazel and birch were among the first trees to colonize the land, followed by oak, pine, and lime as the climate warmed further. These woodlands were mixed, with oak trees reaching a significant dominance as the landscape matured.

Meadows and Grasses:

As the forests expanded, meadows and grasslands were confined to areas of cleared land, typically in river valleys or open plains. These areas supported a variety of herbaceous plants, including grasses, clovers, and wildflowers, which were important food sources for herbivores.

Shrubs and Bushes:

Shrubbery such as blackthorn, hawthorn, and dogwood thrived in the edges of forests and in hedgerows, providing both shelter and food for smaller creatures.

Fauna of Prehistoric Britain

Mammals:

Large herbivores were crucial to the prehistoric landscape. Species such as the mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, and giant deer roamed the open steppe and forested areas, grazing on the abundant grasses and shrubs. The wild boar, red deer, and brown bear were also present, inhabiting both the forests and more open land.

Smaller mammals, such as foxes, hares, and squirrels, would have been common in the wooded areas. Rodents like voles and mice, as well as wild rabbits, contributed to the ecosystem, serving as food for predators.

Carnivores:

The landscape was populated by carnivores such as wolves, cave lions, and lynx, which would have preyed upon the herbivores. The presence of large sabre-toothed cats and wild dogs also marked the era, particularly during colder periods.

Birds and Other Creatures:

The skies would have been filled with large birds of prey like eagles and buzzards, as well as migratory waterfowl and songbirds. The common crane and whooper swan would have been visible in the wetlands and estuaries.

Insects, such as beetles, butterflies, and moths, would have been abundant, especially in the summer months.

Marine Life:

Around the coasts, the North Sea and Irish Sea teemed with marine life. Species like the harbour seal, grey seal, and whales frequented the waters, while fishing birds like gulls and terns populated the shorelines.

The Prehistoric Landscape

The flora and fauna of prehistoric Britain were dominated by a dynamic range of species that were well adapted to the changing environment of the Pleistocene and early Holocene. The transition from a cold, open tundra landscape to lush woodlands marked a significant shift in both plant and animal life. The plants and animals that were present at this time would have shaped the environment that early humans encountered when they eventually arrived.

Regional Variations in Prehistoric Flora and Fauna: A Diverse Landscape

As the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs shaped the environment of prehistoric Britain, the landscape itself was not uniform. Geographic features such as highlands, lowlands, coastal areas, and river valleys created unique microclimates and habitats that influenced the floral and faunal diversity in each region. Understanding these regional variations provides insight into the species mix found across different parts of prehistoric Britain. Here, we will explore what might have been found in four distinct regions: lowland, highland, coastal, and riverine areas.

Lowland Areas: Fertile Plains and Forests

Lowland Britain, particularly the areas of the South East, East, and Midlands, was characterized by expansive, fertile plains and rich, mixed woodlands. These areas were some of the most conducive to early human settlement and provided a stable environment for a wide variety of plants and animals.

Flora: In lowland areas, the landscape would have been dominated by dense deciduous forests, with oak, hazel, and elm trees being prevalent. Pine forests may have appeared in the earlier Holocene as a result of climatic shifts. In addition to the trees, meadows filled with wildflowers and grasses would have supported large grazing herbivores.

Fauna: Large herbivores like the red deer, wild boar, and brown bear would have roamed these areas, along with smaller creatures such as hares, foxes, and squirrels. Wolves and lynx would have been common predators, and birds of prey like buzzards would have been prevalent. The wetlands would have supported beavers and waterfowl.

Highland Areas: Rugged Terrain and Diverse Habitats

In contrast, the highland areas of prehistoric Britain, such as the Scottish Highlands, North Wales, and parts of the Pennines, offered a very different environment. These regions were characterized by rugged terrain, mountainous ridges, and high-altitude landscapes.

Flora: The flora of highland areas was less diverse in terms of tree cover compared to lowland regions. Birch and pine forests were more common, as these hardy species could survive the colder conditions and higher altitudes. In the colder climate, tundra-like vegetation would have taken over in areas where the growing season was too short for trees, with mosses, lichens, and low shrubs like heathers dominating the ground cover.

Fauna: Highland Britain supported different species adapted to cold and harsh conditions. Large herbivores such as the wild goat, red deer, and mouflon (a wild sheep) thrived in these rugged terrains. Carnivores like the wolf and lynx hunted these animals, while birds such as the golden eagle and grouse would have nested in the highland cliffs. Smaller mammals like mountain hares and stoats also inhabited these areas.

Coastal Areas: Marine Life and Salt-Tolerant Plants

The coastal regions of prehistoric Britain—especially along the South Coast, Wales, and parts of Northern England—were exposed to harsher conditions but supported a distinct array of flora and fauna that were adapted to saltwater environments.

Flora: Coastal habitats included salt-tolerant plants like sea grasses, rushes, and saltmarsh plants. Woodland was generally sparser near the coast due to the saline winds and soil conditions, but hardy shrubs like gorse and hawthorn could still be found. In sheltered valleys, beech and oak forests flourished in warmer conditions.

Fauna: The seas around Britain teemed with marine life. Seals, whales, and dolphins inhabited the waters, while shorebirds like oystercatchers, waders, and terns populated the coasts. Along the rocky shorelines, sea otters, crabs, and shellfish were abundant, supporting a variety of coastal predators. The coastal forests also hosted wild boar, foxes, and various rodents, while the open cliffs were a haven for birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon.

River Valleys and Wetlands: Waterways as Lifeblood

River valleys, such as those formed by the Thames, Severn, Trent, and Ure, were key areas in prehistoric Britain. These regions supported rich ecosystems due to the water supply and fertile soils that provided a variety of habitats.

Flora: The riverbanks and floodplains supported lush vegetation, with willows, alders, and poplars lining the rivers. Reed beds, wet meadows, and sedges were abundant in wetter areas. Oak and birch would have been found on the more elevated river terraces, creating a patchwork of forest types across the region.

Fauna: River valleys supported a wide variety of species. Large herbivores such as red deer, wild boar, and elk were common, as well as smaller creatures like beavers, otters, and water voles. The European wild boar, grey heron, and white-tailed eagle would have been common around the wetlands. Freshwater fish like salmon and pike also thrived in these environments.

Conclusion: A Diverse Landscape of Life

The prehistoric flora and fauna of Britain were shaped by geography and climatic conditions. From the lowlands filled with oak forests and meadows to the more rugged and harsh conditions of the highlands, the flora and fauna varied dramatically. The coastal regions and river valleys provided rich habitats for both plant life and a variety of animals, many of which were well-adapted to the specific challenges of these environments.

Understanding these regional differences in the environment provides a fuller picture of the diverse ecosystems that humans would have encountered when they eventually arrived in Britain. These habitats and species would have been fundamental to the early people who interacted with this landscape, providing food, materials, and shelter.

Additional Resources for Exploration

If you want to dive deeper into the regional flora and fauna of prehistoric Britain, the following resources offer extensive information:

British Wildlife: www.britishwildlife.com – A comprehensive journal that covers wildlife conservation and historical ecology in Britain.

Natural History Museum – Pleistocene Britain: www.nhm.ac.uk – Explore the prehistoric wildlife and plants of Britain through interactive exhibits and collections.

The Mammoth Site: www.mammothsite.com – Learn about prehistoric animals like the woolly mammoth and the woolly rhinoceros that roamed Britain during the Ice Ages.

The Woodland Trust: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk – Provides information on the woodlands and forest species of the UK, including resources on the native tree species of prehistoric times.

The National Trust – Prehistoric Britain: www.nationaltrust.org.uk – Offers insights into ancient landscapes and how the flora and fauna of these areas shaped early human settlement.