A natural spring thought to be at least 550 years old in Bahrain has been listed as a national heritage site.

The Eskharah (Rocks) Spring is located on government-owned land between Saddad and Shahrakan, off the Budaiya Highway, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

It has now been recognised by the Culture Ministry as a site of historical significance based on a submission by the Northern Municipal Council.

"Original examination by the area's historians said the spring was 550 years old and the council asked for it to be listed as a heritage site, but further inspections suggest it is from the 11th Century, so it could be more than 400 years older than we thought," said outgoing area councillor Jassim Al Mahdi.

"This spring has water running between rocks and is the only one in Bahrain with such features.

"Despite urbanisation that destroyed its original water channels, which are five metres deep, there is still a water current.

"Its structure has been somewhat damaged, but with proper renovation it could easily be restored to its former glory."

The council acted based on concerns that the spring was under threat from development.

However, there are also concerns that it is vulnerable to heavy rains in winter.

"The rock structure can be damaged easily and it needs stabilisation," said Mr Al Mahdi.

"The Culture Ministry has done well in putting up a national heritage sign, but more work is needed."

The council's outgoing technical committee chairman Hussain Al Sagheer said Eskharah was not the only natural spring in the area, but was one of the few that still had water.

"Eskharah is regarded as the biggest of several natural springs in the area, some of which still exist while others have dried up or were levelled," he said.

"We have other springs on the Budaiya Highway that need protection, some thankfully are listed as heritage sites but others that fall on private properties are still not.

"The ministry has to act fast before those sites, which are rich in value and heritage, are destroyed for good." - TradeArabia News Service