Shinewater, Eastbourne

Shinewater

The Late Bronze Age archaeology at Shinewater, East Sussex, probably represents a marsh-side settlement like that discovered at Must Farm, Cambridgeshire, although most likely occupied for a much greater period of time. 

It holds nationally and internationally significant research potential and yet is largely unknown and misunderstood by both heritage professionals and the wider community. The site was scheduled in 2012 and, due to the monument being at risk from climate and environmental change, was added to the Heritage at Risk Register in 2020.

Hydrogeological assessment report

In February 2025, recognising the risks posed to the monument, Archaeology South-East proposed a desk-based hydrogeological and geoarchaeological assessment of the Shinewater landscape. 

The report, the result of a collaboration between ASE, Historic England, East Sussex County Council and JBA Consulting, indicates the site and its 2800-year-old wooden structures may have been desiccating during hot and dry summers, when lake levels were at their lowest.

The findings suggests that we must act now if we want to learn its secrets before it’s too late.

What’s next?

The next step is trying to work out the current state of preservation of the settlement to see what can be done to protect it. Archaeology South-East, with help from East Sussex County Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, West Rise Primary School, the Blue Heart Project, and the Nature in our Hands project, are currently bidding for funding from Historic England to get this project off the ground.

How can I get involved?

Now’s the time for anyone passionate about Eastbourne’s past, wetland sites, Bronze Age archaeology and heritage at risk to come together for Shinewater!

If our bid is successful it will include small pilot community projects to run in advance of, during and following fieldwork. We want to:

• Build partnerships and collaboration with local groups to make sure everyone has the knowledge and enthusiasm to feel a sense of ownership over the site, and their power to effect positive change. We hope this will ensure improved management of Shinewater going forward.
• Increase opportunities for young people to spend time outdoors, learn practical skills, and participate in cultural activities, helping to create a sense of identity and pride in their neighbourhood.

Keep an eye on this page and our social media channels for ways to get involved.