Tide turns on Iron Age midden treasure trove

From News Scotsman:

AN ANCIENT rubbish tip – inhabited nearly 2,000 years ago – is disappearing into the sea, archeologists have warned.

The Iron Age midden on Skye's west coast has so far yielded bone fragments, stone tools, a button manufactured from horn and the top of a human skull.

But experts are battling the elements in a race to save the 1,900-year-old treasure trove from the elements.

The manmade tools and fragments are already under attack from lashing waves and strong winds, with significant amounts of material already lost to the sea. A report published by Highland Council's Historic Environment Record said that at the current rate of erosion, the site will not last beyond 2010.

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Ancient midden ‘unlikely to survive beyond 2010’

From the BBC News:

An ancient midden, or rubbish dump, thought to have historical importance is under serious threat from erosion, according to archaeologists.

They said it was doubtful if artefacts at Uamh an Eich Bhric on Skye's west coast would survive beyond 2010. Excavations at the site during 2008 and earlier this year were seen as the "only chance" to investigate it. A report published online by Highland Council's Historic Environment Record said it was key Iron Age site.

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North Wales Iron Age fort given preservation facelift

From the Leader:

WORK to preserve an ancient relic in one of North Wales' most beautiful rural areas is expected to end this year.

Teams of country skills experts have been working on improving access to Moel Fenlli, an Iron Age hillfort, in Moel Famau country park, as well as trying to protect it from erosion.

The work has been carried out as part of Denbighshire Council’s Heather and Hillforts project, which centres around the Clwydian Range.

Samantha Williams, hillfort conservation officer, said: “The site is a scheduled ancient monument and a new innovative solution has been developed which means that nothing is put into the ground that could damage the archaeology.

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