Bird remains from Gough's Old Cave, Cheddar, Somerset (UBSS Proceedings v.18(3))

Abstract: Specimens collected in 1954-58 at 6 to 10 feet depths in deposits near the cave entrance in Gough's Old Cave, Cheddar, include 23 bird species. There has been a considerable mixture of material and three mammal bones give dates between 12,300 and 9,300 bp, with the most recent in the lowest stratum. The avifauna is mainly typical of warmer conditions, with Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus as the only good indicator of cooler conditions. Bird species include some requiring the presence of trees and others typical of open grassy places.