Archaeology breakthrough as scientists find ‘exceptionally rare’ Bronze Age tool

An incredibly rare 3,500-year-old wooden spade has been unearthed by archaeologists. The “once-in-a-career find” in Poole Harbour is one of the oldest and most complete Bronze Age wooden spades ever found in the UK.

That’s according to Wessex Archaeology, with initial scientific data confirming its historic origins. It’s highly unusual for organic materials like wood to survive for such a long period, but due to the waterlogged conditions of the site, this artefact has endured over three millennia, offering insight into the seasonal habits of Bronze Age people.

The discovery was made during archaeological digs conducted as part of the Moors at Arne project, which aims to create 150 hectares (370 acres) of diverse wetlands to compensate for habitats lost to climate change.

Phil Trim, one of the archaeologists who led the recovery of the spade on site, described it as a “I’d describe it as a once in a career-type find, it’s so rare it’s not something I’d even put on my bucket list that I’d like to find as an archaeologist.”

adding, “I’d describe it as a once-in-a-career-type find, it’s so rare it’s not something I’d even put on my bucket list that I’d like to find as an archaeologist.”

He continued, “It’s a really unique object, to find something that’s wooden of that age.”

Initially, the team was sceptical about their discovery, thinking it might be a tree root, but were amazed when they realised it was actually a nearly intact tool. “It was indescribable, it really was an exciting moment,” he said.

The tool was discovered in a circular ditch, which experts believe Bronze Age individuals dug to protect central items from flooding. Mr Trim noted that the area was extremely damp, even during the Bronze Age, and it’s unlikely that people resided there permanently.

“So it lends itself to the theory that what they’re doing is they’re coming in during summer months to exploit some of the resources in that environment, that sort of peaty environment, whether it be the peat itself, or they’re taking reeds for thatch, or any other items like that,” he explained. “The spade itself would be a perfect tool for cutting peat,” he added.

Ed Treasure, from Wessex Archaeology who spearheaded the environmental analysis of the spade, stated that the tool had been preserved due to the waterlogged conditions. “That occurs where it remains permanently wet through burial and excludes the oxygen.”

“So unlike in a normal archaeological site, where organic remains like wood would disappear, they can become preserved for thousands of years, as this one demonstrates.”

However, he also pointed out that these items are very delicate, even when preserved.

He said the “field team did an amazing job lifting this on site”, managing to extract the spade in one piece for lab specialists who are now working on its conservation, including the creation of a 3D model of the tool.

Wessex Archaeology has announced that the recently unearthed Bronze Age spade requires additional preservation efforts, including freeze-drying after being treated with a water-soluble polymer to prevent shrinkage when moisture is removed, ensuring it can be properly conserved.

The discovery is hailed as significant, with only one other Bronze Age wooden tool, the Brynlow Shovel, previously found in Cheshire, according to the experts involved.

The Moors at Arne initiative, spearheaded by Kier for the Environment Agency, RSPB, and Natural England, aims to tackle the “coastal squeeze” caused by rising sea levels threatening coastal habitats like saltmarshes and mudflats.

This ambitious project will see the construction of new inland sea embankments and the breaching of existing ones to create fresh inter-tidal zones, complete with saltwater lagoons, freshwater wetlands, and safeguarding an area known for its internationally rare flora.

The RSPB, steward of the site adjacent to its Arne nature reserve for nearly three decades, emphasised the importance of the project in preserving vital coastal ecosystems and supporting bird species such as redshanks, avocets, and various terns from impending loss.

Dr Treasure highlighted that archaeological digs were conducted in areas set to be converted into intertidal habitats, salvaging artefacts before they could be irretrievably lost.