Towards an ecology of mesolithic man in the uplands of great britain

Some of the recent archaeological and palaeoenvironmental evidence about Mesolithic man in the uplands is reviewed. The role of large mammals in the economy is reviewed and suggestions made about the need for seasonal movement by hunting societies in the context of the probable biological productivity of red deer. The manipulation of habitat to enhance deer production and herding is also proposed, but the overall ecological effect of pre-agricultural groups is thought to be low.