 There is evidence of human occupation from the Mesolithic . This developed for agriculture and extraction of mineral ores into the bronze and Iron Ages . The remains of standing stones , cairns and bridges can still be identified . The royal forest was granted a charter in the 13th century , however foresters who managed the area were identified in the Domesday Book . In the Middle Ages sheep farming was common with a system of agistment licensing the grazing of livestock as the Inclosure Acts divided up the land . The area is now used for a range of recreational purposes . 
