I have to say that Alfred's book is not to my taste but I picked this info out a couple of 3 years ago and its something that has nagged me ever since. I go to different sites and see these trees consistantly all over the country even though I am aware of the impact that birds have in the spreading and dispersal of tree species.

to the point of
"In the Neolithic most of the country was covered in trees, it sounds pretty unbelievable now but it's true. Our ancestors cut down the forests for wood, and pasture and places to grow crops and glades to encourage wild animals. "

How certain are we of the fact that the whole country was covered in trees continuously - when we know the foundness the neoliths had to felling trees - and the considerable number of axe heads that have been found - along with the mine of "Pike o' Stickle"

also evidence from snail shells - found that great areas of woodland were cleared by the neolithics which were for years thought to natural heath land.

But I will go back to these sites again and again - I cant help me self

:)