Vegetation Changes on Ilkley Moor 1964-1984

Abstract

In 1970 a set of maps was published which summarized the results of an extensive survey of the vegetation of Ilkley Moor. This paper presents new maps showing the distribution of selected vegetation communities based on a detailed survey undertaken in 1983-84, and examines the changes which have occurred in the period 1964--1984. Comparison of the maps reveals that Calluna vulgaris and Pteridium aquilinum have increased their occupancy of the moor, whilst there has been a marked reduction in the abundance of Empetrum nigrum and Eriophorum spp. These changes indicate that the degradation of the moor which was recorded during the 1960s was reversed, at least partially, between 1964 and 1984.