Remains of woolly mammoth among among 'Megafauna’ archaeological finds in Devon town
The discoveries in Sherford are estimated to be from the last Ice Age
Last updated 3rd Feb 2022
Archaeologists have made a number of rare and nationally significant discoveries during investigations at the new town of Sherford in Devon.
The remains have been recovered by a specialist team from across the UK, and are now being analysed.
Initial findings confirm that the well-preserved remains of several species of animals have been found, including woolly mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, wolf, hyena, horse, reindeer, mountain hare and red fox.
The ‘megafauna’ - large animals now extinct – that have been found are estimated to be from the last Ice Age, around 30,000-60,000 years ago in the Middle Devensian period, when temperatures were generally colder than today.
It is hoped the Sherford discoveries will provide new insights into early Britain and enrich what is already known.
Sherford is a new 5,500-home community under development on the edge of Plymouth, already home to over 1,500 people.
The Sherford Consortium – a partnership of Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Partnerships – instigated archaeological work at the start of construction in 2015 and have remained committed to funding an ongoing programme of archaeological investigation ever since.
Excavation during infrastructure work led to the discovery of these animal remains, in an area near old lime kilns and Sherford Quarry.
The work has been led by Orion Heritage, Exeter-based AC Archaeology, and multiple expert academics, supported by the South West Science Advisor from Historic England.
The project has involved a close partnership with Devon County Council’s Historic Environment Team – as archaeological advisors to South Hams District Council – and the programme of investigations has been informed by specialist advice and expertise from the local archaeological and geological community.
The animal bones and environmental samples have been carefully recorded and removed from the ground and are now undergoing academic analysis and conservation.
It is expected that the full archive of remains will return to Devon, into the care of The Box – Plymouth’s new museum – just a few miles from where they were uncovered.
The Sherford Consortium will preserve the area where the remains have been found. The underground space will be conserved, and no construction will take place on top of it.
However, the entrance will be closed to both protect the historic site and ensure public welfare. It is not, nor will be, possible for the public to safely access the area in which the discoveries have been made.
Rob Bourn, Managing Director of Orion Heritage and lead archaeologist on the project for the Sherford Consortium, said: "This is a major discovery of national significance – a once in a lifetime experience for those involved.
"Construction happening at Sherford is the sole reason these findings have been discovered and it is remarkable that they have laid undisturbed until now.
"To find such an array of artefacts untouched for so long is a rare and special occurrence. Equally rare is the presence of complete or semi-complete individual animals.
"We look forward to reaching the stage where the discoveries can be shared and displayed, so that everyone can find out more about our distant past."
Rob Bourn - Orion Heritage
The findings
The significance of the recovered remains lies in their likely age and potential to provide clues about life in Britain in the last Ice Age, and the array of bones from different animals has especially intrigued experts.
The detailed samples taken from the site have so far uncovered:
- Partial remains of a woolly mammoth, including a tusk, molar tooth and other bones
- Partial remains of a woolly rhinoceros, including an incomplete skull and lower jaw
- A virtually complete wolf skeleton
- Partial remains of hyena, horse, reindeer, mountain hare and red fox
- Bones of various small mammals such as bats and shrews. It is anticipated that further bones of small mammals will be identified during post-excavation laboratory analysis
The investigation
The archaeological excavation of the Ice Age animal remains has just been completed, but work continues offsite, where the bones are now being cleaned, conserved and studied in detail.
Rob Bourn adds: "This investigation has been in exceptionally safe hands with the best professional archaeological team we could put together, uniting a group of specialist academics from across the UK with experts that have worked closely together over a long time.
"It has also involved a team working under the ground for weeks on end to recover the remains and take samples with the utmost care. We have worked with passion and professionalism to carry out thorough and diligent investigations."
While all parties involved in these exciting discoveries recognise there will be public interest, people are asked not to visit the site.