Recently, archaeologists unearthed one of the oldest and most intact wooden tools ever discovered in Britain—a spade dating back approximately 3,500 years. This fascinating find was made during excavations at the Moors at Arne project, which is located near Poole Harbour, Dorset.
Experts from Wessex Archaeology led the excavation, which focuses on creating new coastal habitats to counteract the habitat loss caused by climate change. This innovative project aims to transform over 150 hectares of land, adapting it to develop diverse wetlands.
The significance of this wooden spade cannot be understated. Preliminary tests suggest it dates back to the Bronze Age, making it one of the rarest wooden tools ever found on British soil. Unlike most organic materials, which typically do not survive for thousands of years, the spade's preservation was facilitated by the site’s waterlogged conditions, enabling it to remain well-preserved through the centuries.
Edward Treasure, the environmental archaeologist who was part of the analysis team, expressed his excitement: “The moment the spade started to be uncovered, the team on site knew it was a very special object. We’re starting to reveal its story.” Made completely from oak, radiocarbon dating confirms the spade is around 3,500 to 3,400 years old and places it firmly within the Middle Bronze Age.
The craftsmanship involved in creating the spade is quite impressive. Its construction from one solid piece of wood suggests considerable manual labor was required, denoting its value to the original owner. Treasure highlighted the potential uses for the spade, commenting on how it could easily have been reused and refashioned for different purposes. “It’s fascinating to think about the human connection to this tool across millennia,” he added.
Interestingly, the area where the spade was found does not show evidence of permanent settlements from the Bronze Age. Instead, it appears as though people may have visited this site seasonally. During the Middle Bronze Age, communities across England were establishing rural agricultural systems, scattered with farmsteads and villages. This was the time when the local environment was increasingly being exploited for its resources, including grazing land and wild food for hunting and fishing.
Greg Chuter, the Environment Agency archaeologist leading the Moors at Arne project, elaborated on the ecological opportunities the site presented: “During the winter months, the Arne Moors would have been prone to flooding, making it rich with natural resources during the summer when the land dried out. It could have served multiple purposes for the local Bronze Age inhabitants—an area for cutting and drying peat, grazing, and gathering rushes necessary for traditional crafts.”
The spade was uncovered from a circular ditch, which suggests it might have been deliberately placed there to manage the area's flooding. This finding raises questions about the relationship between the ditch and the spade’s multiple potential functions. Research will continue to provide insights about life at Arne Moors during the Bronze Age.
What makes this discovery even more remarkable is the rarity of such finds. Previously, only one other known Bronze Age wooden tool, dubbed the ‘Brynlow Shovel,’ has been recovered from the UK. That item dates back to the same era and was discovered during excavations at an ancient mine. This gives added weight to the significance of the newly unearthed spade.
Wessex Archaeology has pointed out the likelihood of additional finds at the site as they commence with conservation efforts for the spade, including techniques such as freeze-drying to afford its preservation. The water-soluble polymers used during this process will help prevent the spade from shrinking when the water is extracted, ensuring it remains stable for future study.
Archaeologist Phil Trim, who was also involved with the recovery team, described the discovery as not just rare, but also astonishing: “It’s hard to believe we found something this unique. Initially, we weren’t even sure what we were dealing with—could it be just another tree root? The moment we recognized it as a tool, the amazement set in.” Trim emphasized how the environment played a role both in the use of the spade centuries ago and its incredible preservation. “The waterlogged conditions maintain the structure, avoiding natural degradation from oxygen and other environmental factors,” he said.
Much of what remains to be learned from this spade involves close analysis of its construction and contextual history. Understanding these artifacts helps link the human experience with the environment, showcasing how our ancestors adapted to their natural surroundings through both invention and ingenuity.
The Moors at Arne project continues to dig for additional artifacts and information, painting a clearer picture of life thousands of years ago. It is fascinating to think about how such ancient tools like this spade can help us understand early human interaction with what was, and still is, a precious and dynamic environment.
Archaeologists remain optimistic about what else they might unearth as the project continues. Every step taken at this site is not only about recovering artifacts, but also about assessing their cultural significance. They are excited about potentially discovering more about the interconnectedness of ancient human life and nature, and how past civilizations managed to thrive within their ecosystems, much like we strive to do today.
This Bronze Age spade serves as more than just a tool; it is now part of the story of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring relationship between humanity and nature—a narrative continuously written with every new archaeological reveal.
