Researchers Discover Ancient Forests in Doggerland, Indicating Early Human Habitation
A new study led by the University of Warwick has uncovered evidence of ancient forests in Doggerland, a now-submerged landmass beneath the North Sea. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, utilized sedimentary ancient DNA to reveal that temperate trees such as oak, elm, and hazel existed in the region over 16,000 years ago. This discovery suggests that Doggerland served as a refuge for plants, animals, and possibly early humans long before forests became widespread in Britain and northern Europe. The study also found DNA from Pterocarya, a tree genus thought to have disappeared from the area 400,000 years ago, indicating its survival much longer than previously believed. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the timing of forestation and human habitation in the region. 
