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intouch 50 April 2022 Projects & developments
Analysis has revealed that the bones belong to a species of Steppe mammoth, which predate the iconic Woolly mammoth, and may have been smaller and less hairy; although early Steppe mammoths were among the largest, with some standing up to 4m tall at the shoulder, the species shrank as the climate became colder. Some of the bones are now being examined for evidence of butchery.
intouch 50 April 2022 Projects & developments
included dung beetles, which co-evolved with the Ice Age megafauna and whose droppings they used for food and shelter. Together, this evidence has created a snapshot of a long-lost habitat, and provides new clues about biodiversity and Neanderthal behaviour in Ice Age Britain.
Further evidence of Neanderthal activity was revealed on the site, including ‘scrapers’ – small flint tools that would have been used for cleaning fresh hides, as well as debris from making other unknown tools. Excavations also recovered the remains of Steppe bison, brown bears, horse and hyena. Seeds, pollen and plant fossils, which showed that extinct types of trees and beetles lived around the site as well as more familiar species, like hornbeam were also recovered. The samples
Mike Hill, Chief Executive said: “It has been wonderful to see the excitement and interest this has generated, from grandchildren to grandparents.”
Archaeologists excavating mammoth bones. Credit: DigVentures.
What is a Steppe mammoth? The Steppe mammoth is an extinct species of Elephantidae that ranged over most of northern Eurasia approximately 1.8 million-200,000 years ago. It evolved in Siberia from the Steppe and tundra elephants and the ancestor of the Woolly mammoth and Columbian mammoth. Populations of Steppe mammoth may have persisted in northern China and Mongolia as recently as 33,000 years ago. Although the Steppe mammoth was very large with a height of up to 4 metres (13 feet) tall at the shoulder and a body mass of up to 10 tonnes, the species shrank as the climate became colder. The Steppe mammoth could grow to 4m (13ft)
The average height of a human male is 1.75m (5ft 9in)
“This represents one of Britain’s most significant Ice Age discoveries in recent years.” Historic England
Sir David Attenborough (second left) with Peter Andrew, Group Director, Andrew Liddle, Divisional Director and Olly Thompson, Quarry Manager, all from Quarry Products.
Peter Andrew, Group Director – Quarry Products said: “Hills has a long-standing relationship with Sally and Neville Hollingworth who made the initial discovery, and we provided substantial resources towards making sure that the area remained accessible during the various phases of excavation. “Having worked in the Cotswold Water Park area for many years, we are very familiar with archaeological finds, but this latest discovery has turned out to be quite unique. We have been amazed by the interest in the project and the results of the research which provides an insight into Britain’s Ice Age environment and the world as it was lived in by our closest human relatives.
Scientists examining a mammoth tusk. Credit: DigVentures
“We are extremely proud of the contribution we have made to bring this great story to life. It was an honour and privilege to host Sir David Attenborough during the filming of the documentary.” Dr Neville Hollingworth and his wife Sally, who works as a Transport Administrator for Quarry Products, said: “Finding something so significant has been a real thrill, but even better than that is to see it resulting in a major archaeological excavation led by DigVentures, and a documentary presented by Sir David Attenborough. We couldn’t be more pleased that something we have discovered will be learned from and enjoyed by so many people.” Lisa Westcott Wilkins, Co-founder, DigVentures said: “Ultimately, this is a story about life in Britain’s Ice Age environment. The whole thing has been an incredible experience for our team, especially working with Sir David Attenborough and seeing the site through his eyes. The collaboration between the landowners, fossil hunters, experts, and documentary-makers has been phenomenal and we’re really looking forward to the ongoing research that will now be able to happen.”
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Mike Hill, Chief Executive, holding a mammoth tooth.
Peter Andrew holding a mammoth humerus bone.
