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A complex pattern of ditches and sea defences characterise the landscape of the Gwent Levels a low-lying area of alluvium bordering the northern shore of the Severn Estuary. Documentary and systematic cartographic analysis point to widespread land loss during the 13th and 14th centuries. The present line of the sea bank often truncates mediaeval strip fields. In some cases remnants of the mediaeval landscape survive on today's foreshore where silted former river channels which ran into the Severn through this lost landscape have not been completely eroded away. Continuing erosion by the sea of these deposits expose and threaten structures and artefacts buried within them. One such complex of relict channels on the foreshore is to be found in the inter-tidal zone at Magor Pill. A 13th century clinker-built vessel was found in 1994 and was protected against further erosion. Limited excavation was undertaken in 1995. Interim observations on the vessel are presented together with some provisional analysis of this mediaeval wreck.

Schiffer's (1987) approach to the study of formation processes is applied to consider the effects of burrowing activity on submerged archaeology. Formation processes can be identified because they leave regular physical traces. Simple and complex properties of artefacts are identified and considered to be useful in this respect. Other attributes of deposits which may have value in the practical identification of formation processes are listed. It is pointed out that an ideal strategy would result in complete preservation of all material and spatial relationships equally but that this is unlikely to be achieved although the rate and severity of changes brought on by anthropogenic processes may be reduced. Secondly the strategy adopted to achieve preservation may itself change the deposit. Thirdly there may be clear limits to the ability to manage certain processes. The influence of burrowing fauna within terrestrial sites is now considered. This is followed by some examination of the Studland Bay wreck. The results of investigations into burrowing activity are listed.