Archaeologists carefully lift the fragile 3,000-year-old spade from the ground onto a board – Wessex Archaeology for the Moors at Arne project at Poole Harbour

Archaeologists have unearthed a 3,000-year-old spade, one of the oldest and most complete wooden tools ever discovered in the UK.

The spade was discovered during archaeological excavations in Dorset, England, by Wessex Archaeology working on the Moors-at-Arne project at Poole Harbour along the south-east coast.

The oak spade dates back to the Bronze Age and would likely have been an important tool for its owner due to the challenging and waterlogged landscape—which was key in preserving the object.

“The moment the spade started to be uncovered, the team on site knew it was a very special object,” said Ed Treasure from Wessex Archaeology, who led the environmental analysis of the spade.

“Now we’re able to analyze it here in the laboratory, and we’re starting to reveal its story.

Radiocarbon dating of the wood itself confirms it is c. 3500-3400 years old, placing it firmly in the Middle Bronze Age.

“This is an incredibly exciting moment, and we’re looking forward to finding out more as the process unfolds.”

Crafted from one solid piece of oak, it would likely have taken many hours of work to craft, making it a precious tool to a Bronze Age worker.

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3D model of prehistoric wooden spade discovered at The Moors at Arne – Wessex Archaeology via SWNS

By that time, people were settled into rural agricultural lifestyles, but little evidence was found to suggest there was a permanent settlement where the spade was uncovered. Instead, archaeologists are currently exploring the idea that the site was visited seasonally.

“We’re working across a vast landscape that is dominated by nature with very little to suggest to the naked eye that much human activity has taken place here,” said Greg Chuter, the Environment Agency Archaeologist leading the program.

“However, just beneath the surface we’ve uncovered evidence of the ways humans have cleverly adapted to the challenges presented by this particular environment for over 3,000 years.

“The spade is a fascinating part of the story and as research continues we’re looking forward to exploring the relationship between the spade and the ditch, and what else they can tell us about life here 3,000 years ago.”

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Only one other Bronze Age wooden tool like this has been recovered in Britain—discovered in a Cheshire mine in 1875 and eventually radiocarbon dated to reveal its age of nearly 4,000 years old.

Peter Robertson, Site Manager of the Dorset nature reserves says, “It’s been amazing to learn about the history of the RSPB land at Arne Moors.

Wessex Archaeology have created a detailed, interactive 3D model of the spade which can be viewed online.

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“The discovery of this incredible wooden spade really brings that history to life as you imagine someone fashioning and using it 3,400 years ago.”

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