A second visit by Dr's Lageard and Drew was undertaken on the 29th of January 2006.

Unfortunately, at least from my perspective, work commitments prevented me from being present.

The purpose of the visit was to conduct a leveling survey, in order to construct detailed site map, this would serve to record the location of known timbers and provide a reference against which any future changes could be measured.

As well as the survey, samples were taken from several of the stakes with a view to identifying the type of wood used and for dating (if possible).

Due to the fact that there had been a rise in the water level the survey was not as extensive as would have been preferred, and construction of a detailed site map was deferred until conditions would allow a more in-depth survey.

I have mentioned on previous occasions that the River Dane is quite a fast rising river. Whenever there is any rain, the flow of the river increases noticeably. Combine this with the alluvial composition of its banks and it has potential for rapid change. Because of this a third visit was arranged for the 20th of February 2006.

At the beginning of the year I had spotted this timber approximately 10yds (approx 9mtrs) downstream from the main site.

Although at this point it was not known as to whether or not it was associated with the main site, due to its close proximity it was decided to recover it for further investigation and analysis.

To help with the recovery, aid was enlisted from two of our local countryside wardens Simon and George, seen here on the left getting ready for action.

The photograph on the right shows Simon very carefully making his way downstream to the location of the timber.

The river bed can be quite treacherous, going from compact gravels to quicksand like sediments in a matter of a couple of footsteps. There can also be deep pools and hidden underwater objects that can be very dangerous to the unwary.

Having safely negotiated a path to the timber Simon was joined by his colleague, between them and those of us on dry land the timber was extracted from the water.

In the photograph on the left Dr Lageard takes some measurements and photographs of the timber watched over by James.

As can be seen it is quite a substantial length of timber approximately 14ft (just over 4mtrs) long.

In this next photograph it can be clearly seen where slots have worked into the timber.

For a close up of one of them roll your mouse over the image.

 

This photograph shows Dr Lageard photographing further slots on what was the underside of the timber in the previous image.

Again for a close up roll your mouse over the image.

What the slots were for is not yet known, if I find out I shall let you know as soon as I can.

 

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