Andrew gave us a very different talk from his usual ones on local history. This one was more personal, from his lifelong interest in and time walking in the High Alps.
He covered a very wide range of features of this geographical area. Firstly, he talked about the formation and structure of the Alps, the clash of tectonic plates, glaciers, ice sheets and caps. We recalled school geography terms – a ceart when a glacier scoops out a hollow, tributary glaciers carving out hanging valleys, when glaciers retreat leaving moraines.
He explained that culture and people intertwined with nature to produce the landscapes of today working over many centuries. There are meadows (species rich – 60 plus different plants per square metre) then moorland and then the high alpine zone merging into the snow zone. Andrew talked about alpine prehistory showing how 5000 years ago people were moving through the areas.
Patterns of farming have persisted and there is still some high-level pasture and herds of cattle, still requiring labour to move with the animals – with now more shepherds living in prefabricated huts rather than the traditional buildings.
There is a clash at times – very redolent of Cornwall and Devon – between the interests of tourism and locals – for instance now cows may be herded behind fences, as there have been instances of attacks on walkers.
A similar dilemma as in the UK is about rewilding – the increase in numbers of lynx and wolves is not welcomed by all.
Moreover, sadly, Andrew illustrated the impact of climate change in the glaciers and snow line comparing views from when he was younger with the present day. Melting glaciers do, however, reveal very significant objects, such as the well-known body of Otzi, the 5,300 year old mummified man found in 1991 with an arrow wound in his back.
