The processes behind building the oldest boat ever found in Western Europe will be investigated by a team of modern- day maritime experts.

Archaeologists from the University of Exeter will lead the project at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth as they attempt to rebuild a sewn-plank boat, examples of which date to around 2000 BC. The Bronze Age vessels, which measured up to 16 metres in length, are thought to have been unique to England and Wales.

"Because none of the boats have ever been found as complete boats, this project will seek to understand how they were constructed, how to steer such a long boat, measure how fast it can go, understand how the crew used paddles, as sails were not evident, and how watertight it is," said Professor Robert Van de Noort, an archaeologist at the University of Exeter.

The hulls of these prehistoric boats were made by stitching together planks of wood using fibres from yew trees because nails had yet to be invented.

The boats helped to establish Cornwall as a trading region, ferrying gold and copper to and from Ireland.

The team plan to use only ancient tools, such as Bronze Age axes and adzes. "No-one has done this for 4,000 years so I am sure we will come up against some difficulties, but we think we have given ourselves enough time to give it a good go," said Prof Van de Noort.

The reconstruction will take place in an open workshop at the museum, giving visitors the chance to see the boat as it takes shape.

"This is really exciting, ambitious, challenging and unique. We are honoured to be hosting this never-been-done- before project, " said Andy Wyke, boat collections manager at National Maritime Museum Cornwall.