Information Text in Space 1

In a landscape still recovering from the last great Ice Age, the chilled tundra had been gradually giving way to increased afforestation. The first tree species such as juniper, dwarf willow and birch were being replaced by the high woodland cover of oak, elm, hazel and ash. Human communities, each numbering a few families at most, sustained themselves through a combination of fishing, gathering and hunting.

They were involved in a round of seasonal journeys, moving from one resource area to another. There are no archaeological remains associated with their beliefs or rituals, but it is believed that their spiritual life was focused on elements of the natural environment – springs, mountains, rivers and perhaps special places marking the routeways of their seasonal journeys. 

The Mesolithic (middle stone age) spiritual place is a natural spring surrounded by juniper and birch trees. Some boulders are painted with symbols and deer skull masks are left as offerings. This period is depicted in the maze as a marshy area with rushes and a willow tree.  The texts in the alcove provide information on the way of life of the people of the Mesolithic period.