 The islet in 2012 | |
.svg)  La Motte Shown within Channel Islands | |
| Alternative name | Green Island |
|---|---|
| Location | Vingtaine de Samarès,Jersey |
| Coordinates | 49°09′38″N02°04′38″W / 49.16056°N 2.07722°W /49.16056; -2.07722 |
La Motte (French pronunciation:[lamɔt]) is atidal island, and listed archaeological site,[1] also known asGreen Island, located in theVingtaine de Samarès in the parish ofSt Clement on the south-east coast of Jersey,Channel Islands.
There is evidence of human visits to the island sinceNeolithic times, having left acairn, a number ofmiddens andcists which were uncovered in the early 20th century. The island rises to 17 metres (56 ft) abovemean sea level and can only be accessed at low tide. The rock is from the latePleistocene covered withloess below a grassy surface.
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]
Somearchaeological evidence has been found here. Remains of a cemetery on La Motte are believed to be from later settlers.[4] There areNeolithic elements including acairn and a number ofmiddens,[5] dating from 1500 BC to 300 BC, on La Motte. The 18cists have been removed, and transferred to theLa Hougue Bie museum. They were excavated between 1911 and 1914.[6]
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 latePleistocene and is covered with preservedloess. They provide evidence of past environmental changes in the locality.[5]
