POLLEN DIAGRAMS FROM THE NORTH YORK MOORS

S ummary Four pollen diagrams from the Egton High Moor watershed of the North York Moors are described. Two are from infilled sub‐glacial meltwater channels and two from blanket peat. The channel mires developed from woodland through fen peats (dominated by Thelypteris ) to acidic bogs during Post‐glacial times. The uplands started to accumulate peats in late zone VI or early zone VIIa. The stratigraphy suggests that fire as well as paludification was involved in the inception of blanket peat. Clearance phenomena are observed in pre‐ Ulmus decline times and some of these are tentatively assigned to Mesolithic activity. In the upper portions of the diagrams massive forest clearance is seen and this is probably due to Bronze Age occupation. The representation of Tilia is discussed in its regional context and the possible significance of the Fagus percentages in the light of Tauber's work is briefly mentioned.