The archaeological record and Mid-Holocene marginal coastal palaeoenvironments around Liverpool Bay

The available published and unpublished archaeological record (human and an imal bones, artefacts, footprints) is collated and reviewed in relation to the stratigraphic succession and palaeoecology for Mid-Holocene marginal co astal environments around Liverpool Bay. Two stratigraphic levels with huma n and animal footprint trails are described from Formby Point and whilst th e upper level was formed between c4000-3600 years B.P. (during the later Ne olithic-early Bronze Age), the lower level is older. The animal and bone as semblages and the archaeological artefact evidence for this coastal region are reviewed. The implications of these fi nds for inter-tidal zone archaeo logy for th is region are assessed but it appears that there is no evidence for major Mesolithic coastal human or animal activity, except for the Nort h Wales coast, although there are major concentrations of Neolithic animal, human and artefact remains. During the Bronze to Iron Age dunes were prese nt and probably grazed. Metal artefacts have been located from several site s but there is a lack of associated pottery evidence throughout the Holocen e. This may mean that settlements were inland and coastal areas were only v isited for grazing, hunting and fishing.