Submerged forest remains, comprising peat layers and tree boles, are located on the foreshore at Whiteford Beach. Observations in the Glamorgan-Gwent Historic Environment Record (PRN 07539w) suggest that the tree boles were initially exposed around 2012 and 2013 following a reduction in sand levels. Images from that time show them to be free from marine growth and with fresh surfaces. Samples from the area at an approximate height of -0.467 OD, returned a C14 date of 5210-4981 cal BC (GGAT 2016-17: 25-26).

Related material recorded in the HER includes the find of a Neolithic Handaxe (PRN 08195w) dated by typology to c.3500 to 2200 BC.

The RCAHMW visited the area in July 2023 as part of wider survey work and observed that the visible tree boles had extensive barnacle growth on their surface, suggesting continued exposure.

A return visit in October 2024 observed a different set of timber remains comprising large trunks and branches within peat layers, and a single tree bole adjacent to the nearby wreck of the HENRY BELL (NPRN 370). Two spot samples were recovered for C14 dating (details below). One of these (HB02) corresponded with the dates returned by GGAT, while the other sample (HB01) at a higher point in the beach sediments returned a more recent date, but one that correlates broadly with the artefactual material found in the area.

Sample HB01 (SUERC-130286 (GU69790)): 2459-2281 cal BC (Easting 244530.73, Northing 196476.43, Height (ODN) -2.134, 3865 +/- 25 BP).

Sample HB02 (SUERC-130287 (GU69791)): 4939-4783 cal BC (Easting 244455.95, Northing 196456.56, Height (ODN) -3.306, 5966 +/- 26 BP).

Sources Include:

Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) Half yearly review, 2016-17, p. 25-26.

Glamorgan Gwent Historic Environment Record PRN 07539w https://archwilio.org.uk/her/chi3/report/page.php?watprn=GGAT07539w

Glamorgan Gwent Historic Environment Record PRN 08195w https://archwilio.org.uk/her/chi3/report/page.php?watprn=GGAT08195w

J. Whitewright, RCAHMW, January 2025.