Evidence of vegetation is typically seen through pollen core analysis as discussed by Tipping to understand the woodland history of the Clyde Valley (2015). Pollen core evidence, although not in the Clyde Valley, has been interpreted in the Central Highlands to highlight cereal cultivation in upland domestic sites which may show adaption to the environmental change. Hillslope cereal cultivation is a trend through the late-medieval at both upland transhumant sites and permanent domestic sites. This trend is even more abundantly utilised through the early modern period (Costello 2023, 85). Richard Oram discusses this more through the contemporary source of the ‘Auchinleck Chronicle’ discussing weather change in the beginning of the Little Ice Age in the 15th century (2025, 24). Multiple reports of heavy rainfall in the Southern Uplands and extensive flooding of the lower valleys in Clydesdale in the 1450’s which may have caused poor late year harvests. The use of contemporary written sources is indicative of a lack of archaeological or scientific testing and as such more pollen analysis is needed.
Historic land use change is explored during land improvements of the last 300 years as large-scale drainage of wetlands were carried out as agricultural practices developed (Stratigos 2016). These method of identifying drained lochs and wetlands was done by comparing historic mapping, Roy’s Military Map of Scotland, with the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map. Again, the use of contemporary sources is utilised due to the lack of scientific testing throughout. This study discussed Scotland split into four quadrants which the Clyde Valley is placed in two regions, South-West Scotland and Eastern Scotland. We lack some detail through this overview but there is a coherent argument that large-scale draining of wetlands was undertaken throughout Scotland, which affects our understanding of the past.
We see land-use change through the present day through the introduction of windfarms and reforestation as well as potential for the upcoming solar farms and rewilding. The proposal of land use change gives a potential for archaeological conditions or pollen core analysis to give greater understanding.