Hengistbury Head has been and will always be one of my favourite hikes ever since I was young. So no surprise upon my return to the UK in January that this place would be high on my list and that I would tackle this gem of a place once again.🏖
It's an important and fascinating, nature reserve with a great variety of habitats.🏞Each one with its own community of plants and animals. In total here are more than 500 plant species -that's a quarter of the national total! The reserve also is also known for its insect life🦗with up to 600 species of moth and 16 species of breeding dragonfly.
Hengistbury Head is fascinating in terms of archaeology. It has been occupied on many occasions since the early Hunter gatherings of the old Stone Age 12,500 years ago. Our ancestors would have camped here as they followed migrating herds of animals.
Sophisticated hunters that would use bows and arrows returned 9500 years ago -the evidence was excavated during the late 20th century. The hunters used pebbles as hammers to knap the flint which became sharp flakes. These flakes were fashioned to make knives sores scrapers and arrow tips.⚒
And finally, in the Bronze Age 3500 years ago The headland was used as a cemetery.
The large defences are known as a Double Dykes (Large banks and ditches) and were built up over a long period of time 2000 years ago. The impressive feet which was designed to protect the merchants who were exporting slaves hunting dogs and precious metals in return for luxury items such as wine, olives and glass. At this time Hengistbury Head was probably Britain's most important port.🛥
I learn something new everytime I visit here and no doubt I'll make many more visits there in the future.🙏🏼💫
Hengistbury Head is a headland located in Dorset, England, jutting into the English Channel. It's renowned for its geological significance, diverse wildlife, and archaeological importance. Here's a rundown:
Geological Significance: Hengistbury Head is composed of a variety of sedimentary rocks, including clay, sandstone, and limestone, which have been shaped by erosion and geological processes over millions of years. The headland itself is a result of the last ice age and subsequent sea-level changes.
Wildlife: The area is a haven for diverse flora and fauna. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a designated Local Nature Reserve. The habitats range from heathland and grassland to freshwater wetlands and coastal habitats, supporting a wide range of species including birds, insects, plants, and reptiles.
Archaeological Importance: Hengistbury Head has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic period. It was a significant settlement during the Iron Age, and later became a trading port during the Roman period. Archaeological excavations have unearthed artifacts, structures, and evidence of ancient occupation, providing valuable insights into the area's history and prehistory.
Recreation: Today, Hengistbury Head is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as walking, birdwatching, cycling, and fossil hunting. There are also educational facilities and visitor centers providing information about the site's natural and cultural heritage.
Overall, Hengistbury Head is a fascinating and beautiful location, offering a glimpse into the natural and human history of the region.
14 май 2024
