Ancient Cultural Records: A Boon to Science

Scientists at the University of York and University College Cork have investigated how science can use the cultural records to use woodland areas. The environmental data collected by researchers gives an insight of woodland management systems that can be used by communities living near such areas.

While researching pollen grains of Shrawley Woods, researchers provided environmental data dating back to 11^th Century.  This was then compared with oral history done in 18^th Century. This study came out with differences wherein they found how the same type of tree is referenced in both environmental and cultural studies. Name of the trees were kept with reference to their using properties by dwellers and not by their scientific specie names.

The researcher’s team found data for both oak and lime trees. Historical information focused more upon the usage of that particular tree like “Poles” used for hop growing and did not mention the species name at all. Scientific data collected over a span of time can actually miss out the cultural and social values of that period. This can be very helpful in interpreting the environmental records and thus helping in conservation of woodland areas.

Content: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170222105246.htm

Image- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt