La Motte, Jersey

La Motte is a tidal island, and listed archaeological site,[1] also known as Green Island, located in the Vingtaine de Samarès in the parish of St Clement on the south-east coast of Jersey, Channel Islands.

La Motte
The islet in 2012
Shown within Channel Islands
Alternative nameGreen Island
LocationVingtaine de Samarès, Jersey
Coordinates49°09′38″N 02°04′38″W

There is evidence of human visits to the island since Neolithic times, having left a cairn, a number of middens and cists which were uncovered in the early 20th century. The island rises to 17 metres (56 ft) above mean sea level and can only be accessed at low tide. The rock is from the late Pleistocene covered with loess below a grassy surface.

Location

The island is approximately 200 metres (660 ft) from the beach and rises to 17 metres (56 ft) above sea level. The island has a grassy surface and is predominantly clay surrounded by rocks. In recent times efforts have been made to reduce erosion of the island by the construction of walls and steps. It is only accessible at low tide and cut off twice a day when the sea water rises.[2][3]

Archaeology

Some archaeological evidence has been found here. Remains of a cemetery on La Motte are believed to be from later settlers.[4] There are Neolithic elements including a cairn and a number of middens,[5] dating from 1500 BC to 300 BC, on La Motte. The 18 cists have been removed, and transferred to the La Hougue Bie museum. They were excavated betwee 1911 and 1914.[6]

Geological site

The surrounding area and beach were listed as a site of special scientific interest in 2009.[7][8] The rock was laid down in the late Pleistocene and is covered with preserved loess. They provide evidence of past environmental changes in the locality.[5]

  • La Motte seen from the beach at La Sordonnière.
  • La Motte seen from the air.

See also

References
  1. "Historic Document Reference : CL0089". Archived from the original on 2017-09-02. Retrieved 2012-05-23.
  2. "La Motte (Green Island)". History Alive. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  3. "Green Island Beach". I Love Jersey. Archived from the original on 22 April 2016. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  4. Balleine, G.R., The Bailiwick of Jersey (Revised by Joan Stevens, 1970) ISBN 0-340-00267-0
  5. "Marine-Intertidal Zone" (PDF). Government of Jersey. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  6. "La Motte (Jersey) Alternative Name: Green Island". Megalithic Portal. Archived from the original on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  7. "Sites of Special Interest: La Motte (Green Island) Le Croc and Le Nez SSI, St Clement: Notice of Decision to List". Government of Jersey. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  8. "Special status for historic islet". BBC. Archived from the original on 27 March 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
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