Many regional forest reserves are in decline in the Mediterranean as these dynamic ecosystems become increasingly threatened and affected by climate change and human activities. This study examines the forest resources of Cyprus through a case study based in the Makheras region of the eastern Troodos mountains. Burnet presents the results of field survey carried out in this vast 4,054 hectare area, looking in particular at the relationship between archaeological sites and their contemporary environment. In more general terms, she reconstructs the ecological and economic landscape of the eastern Troodos and studies its long-term development asking questions such as what resources were available in prehistoric and historic times, how did man exploit these, what impact did this have and how can the resources be sustained in the future.