Neolithic human impact on landscapes related to megalithic structures: palaeoecological evidence from the Krähenberg, northern Germany

► We investigate the human impact on landscapes, related to megalithic graves. ► We examine the intensity of forest openness with high temporal resolution. ► The periods of short disturbances ∼3500 cal. BC. and forest recovery were detected. ► The megaliths were not exposed in the landscape during the Neolithic period. ► A different perception of the megaliths and cultivated areas were discussed.