In the heart of Exmoor National Park, on Englanda team of archaeologists made an extraordinary discovery: a true prehistoric “time capsule”, full of remains of trees and insects that provides a unique view of the creatures that inhabited the region thousands of years ago.
The surprising revelation came during peatland restoration efforts on the Holnicote Estate as part of the South West Peatland Project.
The ambitious project led by the National Trust, alongside South West Water and Exmoor national park authorities, seeks to transform damaged peatlands, preserving them as essential wetland ecosystems.
Restoring for the future: South West Peatland project
The South West Peatland Project aims to revitalize peat bog, partially decomposed plant material, to recreate the diverse, wet environment that existed in the past.
This initiative not only preserves biodiversity, but also aims to increase the soil’s carbon absorption capacity, strengthening the resistance of peat to climate changes.
Piece of willow found – Image: Steve Haywood/National Trust/Reproduction
During excavations, researchers identified an area where a prehistoric forest was buried, containing remains of plants such as reeds, willows and alder-type trees.
A willow fragment, dating from the beginning of the Neolithic period (3940 – 3650 BC), reveals the antiquity of this ecosystem.
The remains of beetles, moss mites and other insects provide a vivid glimpse into the fauna that thrived 5,000 years ago.
The peat environment, with low oxygen levels, offers remarkable preservation, allowing organic materials to withstand the test of time and reveal surprising details about the past.
Connection between past and future: understanding to preserve
Basil Stow, National Trust ranger, highlights the importance of the discovery:
“The fact that we found tree species in such good condition is especially important because it will help us discover how peatland habitats formed in the first place, thousands of years ago.”
For Stow, understanding the past is essential to shaping a sustainable future for the environment.
The process of replanting willows and alders has already begun as part of restoration practices.
These techniques include slowing runoff and creating stable water tables, ensuring peatlands remain moist.
This approach helps to reduce emissions of carbon, in addition to protecting the rich archaeological remains present in the peatlands.
The discovery is not only a window into the past, but also an inspiration for building an environmentally conscious and sustainable future.
