Survey 2002-2004
Intertidal survey work undertaken between 2002 and 2004 was sparked by the find of the logboat of the north west coast of Long Island. During the initial investigations and planning of the excavation of the boat a more broad ranging survey of exposed areas of the intertidal zone were completed.
The waterlogged environment around the Islands in the north of the Harbour is excellent for preserving organic finds, such as wood. Once exposed, usually due to erosion, these finds are under threat. Several areas of wattlework have been exposed around the north west coast of the Long Island. One area has been radiocarbon dated to the Middle Saxon period (AD 790 - AD 1030) which is later than the logboat but does coincide with the Sinah Circle. The panels appear to have once been upstanding and may have been used as part of an enclosure or as a fish trap.
Plan of the Saxon wattlework
Various hearths have been discovered. These are Bronze Age in date and are strewn with burnt clay and flint with occasional pottery. The Bronze Age is well represented on the Islands. Other notable finds include cremation urns (with bone and teeth remains still inside), a possible burnt mound and a loom weight or net fastener. Evidence from the Roman period includes pottery that has been recovered from the south coast of North Binness Island and is currently being examined by a specialist.
Bronze Age loom weight
Cremation urn eroding out of the Island's cliff