Archaeologists funded by English Heritage have unearthed one of the earliest wooden trackways of its kind in Europe, which may have been built to stave off the effects of climate change 5,000 years ago.
Over 50 metres of so-called "corduroy track", where logs are laid together to form a roadway, have been discovered on Hatfield Moors, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
The structure dating to the later Neolithic period is the oldest found in the UK. Only two other locations in Europe are thought be earlier. At its widest, it is four metres across and is uniquely made of pine wood.
Hatfield is one of the nation's most important raised mires, now undergoing restoration and re-wetting by English Nature, after years of peat extraction. Together with nearby Thorne Moor, it forms part of the Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve.
Experts believe only one small section of the trackway has so far been found. They have now embarked on a second dig, this time funded by English Nature, to reveal more of its secrets.
Analysis of soil and pollen samples suggest the roadway was probably constructed because the ground was becoming increasingly waterlogged, the result of a change to warmer and wetter weather at the time. Until then the landscape had been characterised by woodland and heath, but rising water levels killed the trees and the mire began to form.
The trackway preserved an important route for Neolithic people and temporarily kept their feet dry. However, soon it was enveloped by the bog and shows no evidence of repair or modifications, presumably because it was abandoned. Radio carbon dating suggests the trackway was built between 2900 and 2500 BC.
Dr Henry Chapman, now of Birmingham University, has been part of the archaeological team investigating the site. He explained:
"This is a remarkable find of international significance. We know little of the people who built the trackway, but they were organised enough to respond to weather conditions on a pretty impressive scale. Little did they know that the wet conditions were no short-term aberration, but part of a wider change that re-shaped their landscape. We are also very excited by the possibility that the terminus, or landfall, of the track may still be found. If so, that would make the find another first in British archaeology."
Timbers from the trackway were discovered accidentally by conservationist Mick Oliver, from Wadworth, Doncaster. He was walking the moor to celebrate its opening to the public when he spotted what he described as an " unnatural straight line" in the peat. On closer inspection, he found some of the timbers and uncertain what to do, sat down for lunch before opting to report the find to the local museum. He explained:
"I could see axe marks on the wood and evidence that they had been tapered. Given their position in the peat, I pretty soon concluded they were old, possibly even Bronze Age. But of course we now know they are even older. It really is the find of a lifetime."
The trackway was probably built before Stonehenge. But to fully interpret its significance, archaeologists want to find out where the trackway leads.
It's construction would not have been undertaken lightly, so it must have played a key role at a time when society was becoming less nomadic and more tribal.
Ian Panter, English Heritage Scientific Advisor, said:
"We had archaeologists working nearby at the time on a project to devise ways of predicting where ancient remains might be found in raised mires. That exercise quickly became the real thing and developed into a fully fledged dig when the timbers were spotted."
The second phase of excavation to learn more about the structure will last five days, before the trackway is back-filled. This is the best way of preserving the timbers. Work can only take place during the driest months, hence the year-long gap between the digs. English Nature's long-term plan to re-wet the surrounding area will ensure other sub-surface archaeology has a better chance of survival.
Tim Kohler, Conservation Officer, English Nature, said:
"We've got a tantalising glimpse of the trackway, but we need more information to assess its meaning and options for future preservation. The find underlines that the Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve is not only important for plants and animals, but it also has a long human history, which the mire has helped preserve."
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