Ancient forest buried under sand on Northumberland coast

An ancient forest which dates back more than 7,000 years is slowly being uncovered by the ocean.

Tree stumps and felled logs, which have been preserved by peat and sand,are now clearly visible along a 200 metre stretch of coastline at Low Hauxley near Amble, Northumberland.

Studies of the ancient forest, which existed at a time when the sea levelwas much lower and Britain had only recently separated from what is nowmainland Denmark, have revealed it would have consisted of oak, hazel and alde trees.

The forest first began to form around 5,300 BC but by 5,000 BC theencroaching ocean had covered it up and buried it under sand.

Now the sea levels are rising again, the remnants of the forest arebecoming visible and being studied by archaeologists.

Doctor Clive Waddington, of Archaeology Research Services, said:

The forest existed in the late Mesolithic period, which was a time ofhunting and gathering for humans.

Dr Waddington, who says evidence has been discovered of humans livingnearby in 5,000 BC, added: