Archaeologists have discovered a prehistoric “time capsule” in the ancient peatlands of Exmoor in England. The capsule reveals preserved plant and insect life from around 5,000 years ago. This discovery occurred during a peatland restoration project at the Holnicote Estate, West Somerset, England.
The site revealed remarkably preserved woodland and insect species remains due to the peat’s low-oxygen environment. This includes a section of willow tree dating back to the early Neolithic period (3940 to 3650 cal BC). The discovery provides crucial insights into these carbon-sequestering landscapes’ natural history and potential restoration. It could potentially “kickstart” processes to capture more carbon and restore the landscape to its former rich, boggy, and tree-filled state.
The restoration project, known as the South West Peatland Project, aims to keep the water in the peat, which helps the land absorb more carbon and enhances its resilience against climate change. Techniques include slowing drainage to maintain a stable water table, preserving archaeological remains, and mitigating flooding risks for downstream villages.
This significant discovery adds a valuable chapter to the story of Britain’s natural history and highlights the ongoing importance of peatlands as powerful tools in the fight against climate change.
For more information, read the source article: Archaeologists have uncovered a prehistoric woodland “time capsule.”
