Modern pollen and NPP assemblages across an abrupt woodland/heathland transition in upland north east England: Implications for taphonomy and palaeoecological interpretation

The paper assesses contemporary pollen and non-pollen palynomorph (NPP) distribution along a woodland to heathland transect, and tests the ecological preferences of the recorded NPP taxa, providing modern analogue information to assist in the interpretation of palaeoecological data. Pollen, microcharcoal, fungal spores and other NPPs are analysed from surface sediment samples collected from Quercus -dominated woodland and mixed heathland ( Calluna, Vaccinium, Poaceae , Juncus, Pteridium ) from an upland area in North East England and the microfossil assemblage data are compared with the actual vegetation cover at the sampling points. The microfossil data clearly indicate the position of the woodland-heathland boundary to within 2–10 m. The transitional zone is shown to be narrow, but of distinctive palynological character. The ecological meaning of several NPPs is either confirmed or suggested. NPP and pollen assemblages vary considerable over distances of only 2–5 m across the transitional samples, whereas very similar microfossil assemblages occur within the two main woodland and heathland vegetation units, even where plant species change in relative abundance. Woodland, heathland and transitional assemblages are clearly differentiated. NPP deposition occurs close to their source, and many types have well defined ecological affinities and are sensitive environmental indicators, while others are more cosmopolitan.