North Binness Island

North Binness Island is a small, uninhabited island in Langstone Harbour.^[1] 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.^[2] The island was originally (along with a large part of Farlington Marshes) part of Binner's Island.^[3] 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.^[2] There is also archaeological evidence that suggests the island was occupied during the Bronze Age and the Roman period.^[2] Finds from the Bronze Age include evidence of a salt works.^[4] It has also produced finds dating back to the Mesolithic period, before Langstone Harbour formed and the land became an island.^[4]

North Binness Island at high tide in July 2005

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.^[2]

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.^[5] Since that time unauthorised landings have been forbidden.^[5]