North Binness Island

North Binness Island at high tide in July 2005

North Binness Island is an island in Langstone Harbour[1] It is 900 metres (980 yd) long and up to 250 metres (270 yd) wide but only rises to 2.5 metres (8 ft) above Ordnance Datum[2] The island was originally (along with a large part of Farlington Marshes) part of Binner's Island.[3] The island has been uninhabited in recent times but there is evidence of historical occupation. A 100-metre (110 yd) long earthwork on the island has been suggested to date from the 18th century.[2] There is also archaeological evidence that suggests the island was occupied during the Bronze Age and the Roman period.[2] Finds from the Bronze Age include evidence of a salt works.[4] The Island and has also produced finds dating back to the Mesolithic period prior to the formation of Langstone Harbour and the island.[4]

The island was formerly home to a pond which is now filled with mud.[2] Plants on the island consist of salt-water grasses and a few trees.[2]

In 1978 the island along with the other islands in Langstone harbour was acquired by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds who turned it into a bird sanctuary.[5] Since that time unauthorised landings have been forbidden.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Havant Borough Townscape, Landscape and Seascape Character Assessment February 2007" (PDF). Havant Borough Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e Adam, Neil J; Momber, Gary (2000). "North Binness Island". In Allen, Michael J; Gardiner, Julie (eds.). Our Changing Coast a survey of the intertidal archaeology of Langstone Harbour Hampshire. York: Council for British Archaeology. pp. 91–97. ISBN 1-902771-14-1.
  3. ^ Fontana, Val; Fontana, Dominic (2000). "A brief historical survey". In Allen, Michael J; Gardiner, Julie (eds.). Our Changing Coast a survey of the intertidal archaeology of Langstone Harbour Hampshire. York: Council for British Archaeology. p. 82. ISBN 1-902771-14-1.
  4. ^ a b Young, Andrew; Royall, Carolyn; Trevarthen, Emma (2008). "The Aggregate Landscape of Hampshire Assessment of the Archaeological Resource" (PDF). Cornwall County Council. pp. 127–128. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  5. ^ a b Tweed, Ronald (2000). A History of Langstone Harbour and its environs in the County of Hampshire. Dido Publications. pp. 159–160. ISBN 0-9533312-1-0.

50°50′14″N 1°01′05″W / 50.837246°N 1.01793°W / 50.837246; -1.01793

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