Burry Holms
|
|
|
Some 9,000 years ago the tidal island of Burry Holms was an inland hill from which hunters could watch herds of game in the plain below (the present day Bristol Channel). The sea was up to 12 miles away, and pine and birch woodland covered the Severn Estuary. Charcoal found on the site suggests that the local population was manipulating this woodland to help them catch their prey. By burning small patches of forest, hunters were creating new and nutritious plant growth which would encourage deer into the area. Once the new growth gave way to bigger trees, they moved on and burnt somewhere else. Charred remains of hazelnut shells have been found on this islet. Their contents would have been an excellent food resource for this mobile population. Small tools made with flint, wood and bone have also been discovered here, and were probably used for fishing or hunting. No signs of this Mesolithic population can be seen on Burry Holms today. However Iron Age and Medieval people left visible evidence of their presence in the form of a rampart and ditch and remains of a monastery respectively. Grid reference: SS400 926
Location: off the northern end of Gower, by Rhossili Bay.
Access: Check tide times. Note: At high tide it is cut off from the mainland for 5 hours. |
|
|
|
 |
|
Sites for the Gower and beyond - check out our webguides!
More...
|
|
|
|
Opening times and admission charges are subject to change - please contact the venue before your visit
|
|
