Frustration as succulents planted at ancient burial site

Tuesday 08 September 2020

Local archeologists are pleading with islanders not to dig up historical sites, after a number of succulents were found planted at 5,000-year-old Le Couperon Dolmen.

The late Neolithic grave is protected by law and is still thought to be home to undiscovered historical treasures.

Nicolette Westwood, Chairman of Archaeology at the Société, explained that dolmens are “a protected site", stating that "they have huge archaeological significance” from which “one day archaeologists will be able to glean all sorts of information.”

Pictured: Le Couperon Dolmen. 

She explained that one of the big dangers of digging on the sites was misplacing valuable artefacts, saying that “it’s quite common for pre-historic people to have buried potteries, beads all sorts of things under stones and by dolmens.”

Though less likely, she also noted that there could also be bones there. 

Nicolette will be going down to dispose of the succulents later this week, emphasising that she would “like people to enjoy the historic sites of Jersey, but whatever your beliefs, don’t dig them up!” 

Pictured: Nicolette will be leaving a sign asking people to respect the site later this week.

Indeed, this particular dolmen site seems to have a history of bad luck.

According to Jersey Heritage’s website, it “has been badly excavated and restored, first in 1868 and again in 1919,” when a porthole slab which now blocks the entrance was placed there incorrectly during a restoration.