Monument MPM1966 - Timber stake alignment, Ports Creek

Two parallel lines of timber stakes observed immediately to the east of the mouth of the spit in Ports Creek during a watching brief on the Anchorage Park coastal defence scheme in 2015.

Two parallel lines of timber stakes observed immediately to the east of the mouth of the spit in Ports Creek during a watching brief on the Anchorage Park coastal defence scheme in 2015. The stakes were parallel with the east side of the spit partially blocking the eastern entrance to the Creek. Further intermittent stake alignments were present on the west side of the spit. Occasional timber stakes were observed along the entire length of the spit, including on its northernmost tip where the spit disappears into the water, and along its western side. Further stakes were observed in mud flats to the west of the spit running roughly parallel with the embankments.

It has been suggested that the spit might have been artificially created as part of the 1853 refurbishment of the defences in the Creek, to dam back tide water in order to aid navigation.

Further timber stakes were observed in Ports Creek and on the western side of Langstone Harbour during the watching brief (see MPM1964 & MPM1967).

Banikov, Martin & Smith, Michael, 2016, Anchorage Park Coastal Defence Scheme, Hilsea, Portsmouth: Watching Brief (Unpublished document). SPM568.