Project Consultant : Christine Shaw
Slash and Burn Experiment
This work is recorded in a paper published as a reprint by the Royal Archaeological Institute and found in Peter Reynolds files, after his death. The original was published as "Slash and Burn Experiment" P.J.Reynolds, Archaeological Journal 134 (1977) pp 307-318
There are many interesting features to this work and publication. For one thing, it contains a rare illustration of the wooded part of the original site chosen to establish the Butser Ancient Farm Project.
It also exposes Peter's great interest in grasses, cereals and weeds, their origins and evolution and their value to Man. This interest in plants was later drawn on in establishing their role in stabilising Experimental Earthworks.
The work arose from similar studies in Denmark. It covered fours years. Because there were no meaningful crops in the second year, this led to a discussion as to how farmers first clearing woodland dealt with the hiatus. Amongst other things it argues for longer term cropping practices.
Created 14 March 2009 - Updated 14 Mar 2009