Storms uncover 10,000-year-old forest on Isle of Man coast

The storms that have lashed the Isle of Man have done a lot of damage to the coastline, and the sand dunes of the northern beaches have been badly hit by the powerful waves.

However, damage to the low-lying sand cliffs at Cranstal, Bride, has revealed an archaeologist’s dream.
An area of prehistoric forest has been uncovered after a large section of shingle and sand was washed away, and the remains can offer a tangible glimpse into the island’s natural landscape before the sea levels rose and shaped the coastline as we know it today.

Lying scattered in the soft clay and sand, surrounded by the rocks and debris left by the onslaught of the past month, large timbers, root systems and perfectly preserved tree stumps, which are estimated at more than 10,000 years old can be clearly seen.

The ancient forest floor is easily identifiable as a black level piece of ground, jutting out from the sand cliff and stretching out towards the oncoming tide. [...] iomtoday.co.im

Related post


Actualización 26-02-14.  People stealing souvenirs from Isle of Man’s ancient forest