In 7000 BC the shoreline around Stolford
and Hinkley Point extended three miles further out than it does now, but by
3800 BC the woods on the shoreline were becoming submerged due to a surge of
water. The remnants of this ancient
submerged forest are still visible during exceptionally low tides, as was the
case earlier this year during the lowest tides for two centuries, when
submerged forests around the Westcountry coast were exposed, including the one
at Stolford and at Minehead to the west.
Stolford is part of the civil parish of Stogursey, a village just inland
with a castle dating from at least the 12th century, chosen as a base by
William de Courcy, Steward to Henry I.
The moated 17th century gatehouse, which is all that is left of the
original castle, is now available as a holiday let through the Landmark Trust.
Back in August 2011 in my piece about
Sizewell and Minsmere, I found myself marvelling at the juxtaposition of a
monstrous nuclear power station and a tranquil nature reserve. I am reminded of that now as I turn my
attention to Hinkley Point, which is a popular spot for birdwatching. The birds frequenting the Point include Brent
geese, Eurasian Wigeon and Northern Pintail, while the fields inland host
Meadow Pipit and Merlin among others, and the sea defence boulders are visited
by migrant Northern Wheateaters and wintering
Black Redstarts. Bordering on all this
feast of feathers is the Hinkley Point B
nuclear plant, a successor to the decommissioned Hinkley Point
A. Hinkley
Point B
was begun in 1967, but due to a series of hiccups did not start generating
electricity until 1976. Hinkley Point C
was given planning consent in March 2013, and George Osborne recently raised
eyebrows by inviting the Chinese to participate in the development of this new
plant. What could possibly go wrong...?
For those who are curious about what goes
on in a nuclear power station there is a Visitor Centre at Hinkley Point B with interactive
displays, and tours of the plant can be arranged, all for free.
Map of the area.
 |
| Coastal defences, west of Stolford - geograph.org.uk - 1105586. Photo by Roger Cornfoot, via Wikimedia Commons. |
No comments:
Post a Comment