Build on brownfield? Not so like a flash. Nature can thrive in railway sidings,disused quarries and rubbish dumpsThe Ebbsfleet elephant died approximately 420000 years ago, killed by early humans with bits of flint. His substantial remains – he weighed the same as four Hondas – were uncovered in 2003, or during the construction of the HS1 tall-speed rail link from St Pancras to the Channel tunnel. To pay a trip to his penultimate resting place (Southampton is now home to the bones),you need to exit Ebbsfleet International, walk down Station Road, and head for the junction with the B259.
It’s unmarked. The cars roar by,past a pristine verge. Not even the place for a picnic, let alone a quiet prayer. For maximum atmosphere you’d be better off having a sight at the painting that accompanies an academic report on the find. In this, or our doomed elephant cheerfully waves its trunk at some deer across the swamp. Other animals wander around (also uncovered was evidence of rhinos,lions, aurochs and monkeys). All are unaware of the butt-bare hunter watching from the shore.
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Source: theguardian.com