Borehole Survey, Gunfleet Sands 3 (Stage 4) by Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust, Clacton-on-Sea, 2014-2017 - EEX61407

This report presents a Stage 4 geoarchaeological assessment (analysis and dating) for the Gunfleet Sands 03 (GFS03) Demonstration Project on behalf of DONG Energy. The key aim of this Stage 4 report was to provide an account of the successive environments within the coring area, a model of environmental change over time, and an outline of the archaeological implications of the analysis. This analysis has confirmed that the Holocene deposit formed in a wetland estuarine environment that became inundated around 7081-6831 Cal BC (SUERC-54108). The ecology represented by diatoms, microfauna, pollen, and macrofossils, shows that the area was mainly a brackish coastal saltmarsh with a possible freshwater input. The proximity of the site to dry land and woodlands is indicated by regional flora comprising oak (Quercus) and hazel (Corylus) also with some indications of elm (Ulmus) and beech (Fagus). The archaeological record from this period has demonstrated both estuarine and freshwater settings that are attractive for human occupation. Information from OASIS Online Form.