This work is based on a regressive approach, starting from the composition and structure of current forests and going back in time from different documentary collections (historical documents, ancient maps, archaeological and archaeobotanical remains).
The current forest inventory was first drawn up on the basis of regional data and then refined during field surveys. It showed a high level of forest biodiversity in the area of Euganean Hills, with a clear dominance of Robinia and chestnut stands (Fig 1).
The omnipresent Robinia stands in the territory correspond to a very recent history of spontaneous reforestation of old agricultural plots by an exotic taxon for the territory (imported in the 17th century).
The chestnut coppices, located on the slopes of volcanic hills, are ageing and often sick. This type of forestry training bears witness to a much older history (very large strains indicate a coppices management for several generations).
Through a sociological survey, we aim to understand how the population perceives these forests. This study shows a lack of knowledge of local forest history and that the attachment to these forest areas is mainly based on sports activities or other nature-communing activities.
The sociological and ecological results emphasise certain contradictions. The local population speaks of recent forests, but the local biodiversity and forest structure bear witness to a long-standing forest history.
Thanks to historical mapping the extension of the forest massifs has been restored (Fig 1). It has revealed a wide dominance of coppices in 19th century forests. Only two forest areas were managed in high forests to provide timber for the Venetian arsenal.
A forest archaeology approach has also been used in order to complete these data. Walking and LIDAR surveys were carried out on the Monte Venda and Monte della Madonna massifs. Through this approach we identified vestiges witnessing forest presence in the past (charcoal platforms), and attesting to an opening of the environment (for example, agricultural terraces and habitats). Each vestige has been mapped to show whether the study area presented forest continuity. To date nearly 40 platforms of charcoal production have been identified (Fig 2). 10 platforms have been analysed. The six radiocarbon dates received date this charcoal production at least in the 14th century, and bear witness to an activity that continues over time, since some charcoal platforms date back to the 15th, 16th, 17th and 19th centuries. Only the depth horizons have been dated so far. Future analyses will focus on testing whether stratigraphy is still conserved on these remains and whether vegetation dynamics over time can be studied from the same platform (Fig 2).
These studies show a very good correspondence between current and past vegetation. Species identified in anthracological assemblages are still present near the sampling sites (Fig 3). These observations attest to the forest continuity in these areas. However, some charcoal production places show some discrepancies between current and past vegetation (dominance of beech in the past and quasi absent today, evolution of wood diameters).
