Wonders of Borth Submerged Forest Explained by Dr Martin Bates of University of Wales Trinity Saint David

On Sunday 2 August, Natural Resources Wales and University of Wales Trinity Saint David organised a guided walk of the trees stumps and peat exposed by low tides at Borth as part of the Ynyslas National Nature Reserve events programme. 

Dr Martin Bates explained the evolution of the landscape, as it is becoming better understood by the ongoing research project being undertaken by the University. The forest comprises pine, oak, elder and birch which stopped growing between 4,500 and 6,000 years ago when it was inundated by the sea. Down on the beach, participants were on the lookout for animal and human footprints also dating back to this period, when our ancestors were hunter-gatherers.

Dr Bates brought along some of the finds of animal bones – including the jaw bone of an Auroch, the extinct ancestor of our domestic cattle. He told the local story of another beach find, a huge Auroch skeleton, found by the local butcher in the 1960s. The University is still trying to trace this skeleton.

If anyone has any information about other artefacts or animal bones found amongst the forest, I’m sure that Dr Martin Bates would very much like to hear from you.

Prehistoric Landscape Uncovered at Borth in Ceredigion:
http://heritageofwalesnews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/prehistoric-landscape-uncovered-at.html

Submerged Forest, Borth Sands:
http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/506500/details/SUBMERGED+FOREST%2C+BORTH+SANDS/

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Come and Join us for the Festival of British Archaeology: A guided walk of Pen Dinas, Saturday 14 July, 2pm – 4pm

Pen Dinas: An Iron Age stronghold on Cardigan Bay

 Conquer the largest Iron Age hillfort on the west coast of Wales, and the ancestor of present-day Aberystwyth. With  expert guide, Royal Commission archaeologist and aerial photographer, Dr Toby Driver, the sites of formidable gateways will be explored, round house footings revealed, and the wider Iron Age landscape discussed from this incredible natural vantage point. Hear about the history of Pen Dinas hill from the Middle Stone Age hunters to the memorial to the Duke of Wellington. Meet at Neuadd Goffa car park, Penparcau. SY23 1SA at 2pm. Walking boots recommended for public footpath to and from the summit which can be muddy. It is a reasonably strenuous climb. All ages welcome.

Reconstruction drawing by Toby Driver. This is how we think Pen Dinas looked 2,000 years ago

Refreshments will be provided at 4pm by Communities First
in Y Galeri, 3 Glandinas , Penparcau.(next to the butcher’s shop).

For further information about the Council of British Archaeology and the Festival of British Archaeology please visit www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk

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