Landscape record 10070 - Ardvourlie, Harris

Location approximate.

Of major importance, however, is the evidence for an extensive area of prehistoric pine and birch woodland. Closest to the Water Treatment Works, this is represented by three sub-peat tree stumps at NB18594 11488, NB 18587 11493 & NB18588 11497, the nearest of which is within 16m of the perimeter fence. The area to the north-west of the site has been subject to much recent disturbance: the peat has been heavily churned by vehicle tracks, and by redeposited upcast from a recently-dug trench which runs to the nort-west. This disturbed peat is full of macroscopic tree remains, which include roots, bark (apparently of birch - Betula pendula) and pine cones, which appear to belong to the Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris). An inspection of the peat-cuttings further to the south and north-west shows that there are numerous tree stumps of substantilal size exposed as a result of peat removal, over an area of at least 350m. It is likely, therefore, that any works on the north or west side of the Water Treatment Works can be expected to produce important evidence of the earlier prehistoric environment.
Knott, 2003, 13-14

A single stump was retrieved by the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar landscape architect, during road expansion works, in July 2005. It is somewhat eroded, but may have axe marks from a ground stone axe.
MML 20.9.05

Carol Knott, Archaeological Desk Based Assessment & Walk-Over Survey, North Harris (Bibliographic reference). SWE41048.