Post or tree stump?

This is at Brancaster beach. In the distance are the remains of proper groynes, designed for their purpose and recognisable in spite of their age. However, this lone post or whatever it is looks more natural, knots in the wood, remains of previous branches, yet stuck in the sand where it could hardly have taken root and grown. So I do not know its origin. Its mysterious look does attract many photographers.

To count the barnacles view LARGE!