Training: Recording Pett Level prehistoric submerged forest

12/08/2017  |  9 a.m.

Pet Level, East Sussex

 

Explore and record the submerged prehistoric forest at Pett Level with the CITiZAN South East team and Dr Scott Timpany. 

This fascinating site contains the remains of over 1500 trees, once part of a Neolithic - Early Bronze Age forest. Environmental geoarchaeologist Dr Scott Timpany first worked on the site in 2014 and will be joining us again for this weekend. 

Dr Timpany’s interim analysis of the peats and the trees at Pett Level has conjured up a vibrant picture of a changing woodland. A damp woodland predominantly of alder had pools of water on the woodland floor, surrounded by ground cover including fool’s-water-cress, greater spearwort, bulrush and cowbane. Following a period of inundation a mixed woodland developed with trees and shrubs including alder buckthorn, yew, ash, willow, birch and a floor dominated by brambles with meadow rue and sedges, bedstraws and marsh marigold. Patches of open woodland existed alongside denser forest, and there is even evidence for a storm event: a peak in deadwood fungi types indicates an increase in fallen branches and rotting wood on the woodland floor. A gnawed hazelnut suggests the presence of wood mice while remains of dung related beetles suggest that larger mammals also roamed this woodland. 

This free training weekend includes a guided tour of the site, mini lectures, hands-on sample identification and a foreshore recording session.

Saturday 12 August

09.00 - c.10.45 Guided walk of the site (low tide 09:20)

11.00 - 12.00 Brunch/early lunch break - there's lots of lovely cafes in Rye!

12.00 - 15.00 Classroom session in Rye (venue TBC) 

 

Sunday 13 August

09.00 - 12.00 Submerged forest recording session (low tide 09:57)

 

The classroom session venue and the foreshore meeting place will be confirmed nearer the date, as will details of parking, facilities etc. We have a minibus to give lifts between Rye and the site for those without transport. 

As with all CITiZAN training sessions, there is no cost for attending and no previous experience is necessary. Booking is via Eventbrite.

If you have any questions please contact Lara by email at lband@mola.org.uk or by phone 07718 570384

Dr Scott Timpany talks about trees at Pett Level submerged forest, East Sussex
Dr Scott Timpany talks about trees at Pett Level submerged forest, East Sussex