"…where the waves are eager to curl over the shore with grey water, but rush to lay them bare as they go to their backward course, and the blue depths encircle a sacred land…"

(A description of Lindisfarne, now in the heart of the Berwickshire & North Northumberland Coast European marine site, by the ninth century poet Aethelwulf)

Not only is the coast home to a wide variety of wildlife, but for a long time it has also been a resource for the human population. As a result, the past 8000 years has left a coastline and seabed littered with archaeological remains including ancient burial grounds, shipwrecks and castles. The sea served as a maritime highway for trade, conquest and communication. For the people who lived near the coast, it was a valuable source of food and the fertile lands that stretch back from the coast supplied rich farmland. The flat coastal terrain made for ready movement across the landscape providing a main north-south route for wandering people looking for food and shelter.

Archaeology on the coast is frequently revealed after severe winter storms blow the sand from the dunes, uncovering sites, which have been hidden for many years. Out at sea, the fishing community often finds shipwrecks when nets snag on their fragile remains.

If you want to know more about the archaeology in the European Marine Site, contact your local Sites and Monuments Record. In Northumberland that is:

The Conservation Team
Environment Directorate
Northumberland County Council
Morpeth
NE61 2EF
Tel: 01670 534058

archaeology@northumberland.gov.uk

In the Borders Region that is:

Principle Officer (Archaeology and Countryside)
Scottish Borders Council
Council Headquarters
Newton St Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA
Tel: 01835 824000

planning&development@scotborders.gov.uk