Archaeologists have uncovered an exceptionally rare wooden spade dating back approximately 3,500 years in Poole Harbour, Dorset. The team from Wessex Archaeology made the discovery during a project aimed at creating coastal habitats. This find is considered one of the oldest and most complete wooden tools found in the UK, with analysis confirming its Bronze Age origins. The well-preserved state of the spade is attributed to the waterlogged conditions of the excavation site, offering valuable insights into ancient communities’ interactions with the environment.
The wooden spade, a unique artefact, is only the second Bronze Age wooden tool found in the UK, the first being the Brynlow Shovel discovered in Cheshire. The excavation took place during the Moors at Arne project, a wetland development initiative to address habitat loss due to climate change. Archaeologist Phil Trim, who led the recovery, described it as a “once-in-a-career” find due to its rarity and significance. Initially mistaking it for a tree root, the team was amazed to uncover a nearly complete tool.
Researchers believe the circular ditch where the spade was found may have been constructed by Bronze Age communities to manage flooding. Evidence suggests that people visited the area seasonally to exploit local resources such as peat and reeds for thatching. Ed Treasure, leading the environmental analysis, highlighted that the spade’s preservation was aided by the waterlogged conditions that prevent oxygen exposure, allowing organic materials like wood to endure over millennia.
The spade will undergo conservation procedures, including freeze-drying and impregnation with a water-soluble polymer, to ensure its long-term preservation. Wessex Archaeology noted that this remarkable discovery sheds light on ancient technologies and resource management practices, providing valuable insights into Bronze Age livelihoods and environmental interactions.
In summary, the recent discovery of a well-preserved Bronze Age wooden spade in Poole Harbour showcases the exceptional preservation of ancient artefacts under specific environmental conditions. The rarity of this find offers valuable insights into the technological advancements and resource management strategies of Bronze Age communities in the UK, adding to our understanding of ancient lifestyles and environmental interactions.