North Binness Island is an island in Langstone Harbour It is 900 metres (980 yd) long and up to 250 metres (270 yd) wide but only rises to 2.5 metres (8 ft) above Ordnance Datum The island was originally (along with a large part of Farlington Marshes) part of Binner's Island. The island has been uninhabited in recent times but there is evidence of historical occupation. A 100-metre (110 yd) long earthwork on the island has been suggested to date from the 18th century. There is also archaeological evidence that suggests the island was occupied during the Bronze Age and the Roman period. Finds from the Bronze Age include evidence of a salt works. The Island and has also produced finds dating back to the Mesolithic period prior to the formation of Langstone Harbour and the island.
The island was formerly home to a pond which is now filled with mud. Plants on the island consist of salt-water grasses and a few trees.
In 1978 the island along with the other islands in Langstone harbour was acquired by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds who turned it into a bird sanctuary. Since that time unauthorised landings have been forbidden.
Famous quotes containing the words north and/or island:
“If I could put my hand on the north star, would it be as beautiful? The sea is lovely, but when we bathe in it the beauty forsakes all the near water. For the imagination and senses cannot be gratified at the same time.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“I candidly confess that I have ever looked on Cuba as the most interesting addition which could ever be made to our system of States. The control which, with Florida, this island would give us over the Gulf of Mexico, and the countries and isthmus bordering on it, as well as all those whose waters flow into it, would fill up the measure of our political well-being.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)