Volume 22, 2022
An investigation of subfossil Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) from Curlew Lane, Lancashire
Jonathan G.A. Lageard and Eleanor A. Robinson
Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University,
Abstract
This research presents the results of an investigation of subfossil trees from the Lancashire Coastal Plain that came to light in the facilitation of undergraduate final year projects at Manchester Metropolitan University. It details the field sampling and laboratory analyses utilising the techniques of dendrochronology and radiocarbon (14C) dating and includes an illustration of best practices in the development of tree ring-width chronologies for the sensitive growth records of Scots pine trees that have previously grown on peat bogs. Results revealed that the Curlew Lane pine trees date from the early Holocene, a period when extensive boreal woodlands (including hazel trees and shrubs) grew in lowland areas in Lancashire and also in similar settings further to the south. The lack of pine macrofossil finds from Lancashire dating to the mid- to late-Holocene suggest that marine influences in the landscape were important factors not only in restricting this woodland type, but in creating an environment favouring bog oak woodland. The latter has provided an unparalleled resource for advances in dendrochronology (tree-ring dating) particularly since the 1980s.
Mapping the city: One man’s contribution to city centre maps
Andrew Taylor
Abstract
I was fascinated with maps of any description from an early age. Although I had no training in cartography, I would spend my spare time as a schoolboy copying maps from world atlases.
When I moved from London to Manchester in 1987, I looked for a good map of the city centre so that I could explore. Finding there were none available, I set about surveying and drawing my own map, by walking the streets and then drawing the map up at home. Early editions were done using a ball point pen and were hand lettered. Later editions I did on the computer.
I published my first edition in 1995. Since then, I have produced nine editions of my Manchester map. I have also produced and published maps of Preston, Liverpool and York city centres.
Not a hair out of place? Embracing messy positionality when researching the geographies of hair in Greater Manchester
Dr Samantha Wilkinson,
Manchester Metropolitan University.
Dr Catherine Wilkinson,
Liverpool John Moores University.
Abstract
In this paper, we respond to Folke’s (2022) call for moving beyond ‘shopping list’ positionality. Instead, we utilise ‘kitchen table reflexivity’ and in/visible tools to develop reflexive qualitative research. To do so, we use researcher diary excerpts from our research exploring the geographies of hair (on the head, face and body) in Greater Manchester, UK. In particular, we reflect on: motivations for pursing the research topic; researcher voice; and building rapport with participants. By doing so, we provide meaningful engagement with positionality throughout different stages of a qualitative research project, avoiding static and hollow positionality statements.