We have heard of buried civilisations that come up during excavations. But have you ever heard of an ancient prehistoric forest coming up? Well, that’s exactly what happened in the UK after a violent storm. By Swastika Mukhopadhyay
Buried under water and sand for about 4,500 years, a prehistoric forest better known as the forest of Borth in Wales was washed up by storm Hannah. This drastic storm brought up hundreds of trees that have been buried under water. Experts have discovered a variety of trees such as pine, alder, birch and oak or rather their stumps in this area.
Belonging from the bronze era, it is believed that these forests covered an area spread out two to three miles along the shore between Ynys-las and Borth in Wales before it sunk down. The trees stopped growing between 4,500 and 6,000 years ago as the water level rose and a thick blanket of peat formed, thus resulting in the shin-high stumps. Washed up by the storm, these stumps were more easily noticeable due to the lower than usual low tide.
Amateur photographer Wayne Lewis from Welshpool discovered the ancient forest while walking on the beach.
These forests are associated with a 17th-century myth called ‘Cantre’r Gwaelod’ or the ‘sunken hundred’. Some locals say — they still can hear the bells of a drowned church of Cantre’r Gwaelod on a quiet day. But this is not something that the locals here are experiencing for the first time. In 2014, tree stumps were discovered in the area for the very first time. The only difference is that then it was partially covered and was not revealed as much as now.
This area has been the recipient of many theories and significant archaeological discoveries such as animal footprints and human fossils. Legends reveal that utter negligence of duties by Meredid, a priestess of the fairy well led to the sinking of the lost land known as Maes Gwyddno.
So, maybe this time when you go to the UK, you can check out this amazing and mysterious prehistoric forest.
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