Burry Holms

Burry Holms (grid reference SS403926), a tidal island with the height of (98 feet (30 m)) is at the northern end of Rhossili Bay in the Gower Peninsula, Wales. During spring and summer, Burry Holms is covered by flowers such as thrift and sea campion.

Burry Holms at high tide

Burry Holms is mid-left off the beach

9,000 years ago, the sea was up to 12 miles (19 km) away. Inhabited by nomadic Mesolithic hunters, flint tools provide the first evidence of their existence. Charcoal-charred hazelnut tools made out of wood and bone were found in 1919. A 1998 excavation by the National Museums and Galleries of Wales found that Burry Holms was used as a Mesolithic seasonal camp. Iron Age people subsequently built a 5-acre (20,000 m²) hillfort and ditch on the island, while in Medieval times it was home to a monastery. The island is popular among collectors of shells.

There is no Welsh language equivalent to Burry Holms; Ynys Lanwol previously given here merely meant "tidal island".