First Report in Early 1999

An Ancient Tree Ring has emerged off the coast of North West Norfolk at Holme-Next-The-Sea.  This ring of old wooden timbers has been known by the local population for some years.  The discovery was reported to have been made by a Heacham man but those in the know were sworn to secrecy.

A man showing his surprise at the smallness of the site.

What is it?  How old is it?   Who owns it and who is responsible for it?

'They' say that it could be up to 5,000 years old - English Heritage has funded a preliminary survey.  Considered a Bronze Age Artefact, we hear that it is in the charge of the Norfolk Archaeology Unit.

These pictures were taken by a local resident on Sunday the 17th January during low tide at 12pm. 

Although it was the first Sunday after the news had spread and the tide at 12 noon was at its lowest, there were only about 50 people visiting the site.

The thumbnail photograph is of a notice placed on site by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Click thumbnail to  read the notice

A view showing the wooden structure surrounded by the peat beds presumed left from an ancient forest

For anyone but the most obsessed historian, there is little to encourage a long trek to north Norfolk. 

The site is mostly covered by the sea and is very small and insignificant looking. 

These bits of wooden posts are not likely candidates for inclusion in the average sight seeing tour. 

Police Fear for Safety of the  Public

The Police are warning visitors with metal detectors that there are likely to be unexploded war-time bombs buried in the sand

There are stories that the overwintering wildlife will be forever disturbed and the delicate nature of the ancient peat beds will be lost under the trampling of many visiting human feet. 
If this proves to be true, is this a case where the extensive new powers given to the European Union's Special Areas of Conservation could be tested?   Although ruled by Brussels, such matters are in the hands of Agents English Nature.

The exact age and purpose of this ancient structure is not yet known, but it is believed to be a find of international importance

What will happen to it now?  Will it be left to the ravages of the North Sea? 
They say it cannot be preserved where it is.

This photograph clearly shows the chain-saw mark where the Norfolk Archaeology Unit removed a deep slice of the root.
The flat end seen and the shadow to it's right where a large slice a metre in depth has been removed.

A spokesperson from the County's Museum Service has said,

"We are aware that people are a little worried that nothing is happening.  In fact a lot of discussion is going on at a very high level regarding the direction to take and what will eventually be done about the site. 
Also, investigation is continuing into the dating etc., of the piece of wood taken away for this purpose.  Information will be released when it is a available.