Matthew Dever - Redcar Prehistoric Forest

Towards the end of February, 2018, an increase in temperature high over the Arctic - known as sudden stratospheric warming - caused a twist in the northern polar jet stream, plunging the UK into Siberian conditions. In March, conditions worsened by a storm system that travelled across Northwestern Europe.

The storm brought about the massive shifting of sand at Redcar on the North East coast, which uncovered a prehistoric forest. The forest has been exposed previously but residents believe this to be the greatest unveiling in modern times. The fallen trees and stumps, preserved in anaerobic conditions, were part of an area named ‘Doggerland’, which connected the British Isles to continental Europe; a vast habitable landmass, once utilised by prehistoric hunter-fisher-gatherers.

Postglacial climate change would eventually submerge the landscape, creating the British Isles, while affecting human settlement and migration routes. The rare and fascinating sight caused tourists to flock to the English seaside town.

A Woman Walks Among the Fallen Trees of an Uncovered Prehistoric Forest. Redcar Beach, North Yorkshire, England. 2018.

Tourists Flock to an Uncovered Prehistoric Forest. Redcar, North Yorkshire, England. 2018.

1. Tourists Observe a Prehistoric Tree Stump. Redcar Beach, North Yorkshire, England. 2018. 2. A Child Plays Among the Remains of Doggerland. Redcar Beach, North Yorkshire, England. 2018.

A Prehistoric Tree Stump Exposed by Storm Emma. Redcar Beach, North Yorkshire, England. 2018.

A Fallen Prehistoric Tree Preserved in Anaerobic Conditions. Redcar Beach, North Yorkshire, England. 2018.

Footprints Surround a Prehistoric Tree Stump. Redcar Beach, North Yorkshire, England. 2018.

Tourists Study the Fallen Trees and Stumps of a Prehistoric Forest. Redcar Beach, North Yorkshire, England. 2018.

Pointing at the Past. Redcar Beach, North Yorkshire, England. 2018.

A Child Looks Out at a Landmass Named ‘Doggerland’, Which Once Connected the British Isles to Continental Europe. Redcar, North Yorkshire, England. 2018.

1. The Remains of a Prehistoric Forest. Redcar Beach, North Yorkshire, England. 2018. 2. Children Play Next to an Uncovered Prehistoric Forest. Redcar Beach, North Yorkshire, England. 2018.

The Tide Begins To Cover the Remains of Doggerland; Postglacial Climate Change Would Eventually Submerge the Landscape, Creating the British Isles. Redcar Beach, North Yorkshire, England. 2018.