Risk Management

Fletching Mill, West Sussex, Desk-Based Assessment and Palaeoenvironmental Assessment

Nexus Heritage conducted an archaeological desk-based assessment of a possible moated site on the bank of the River Adur at Fletching, East Sussex. The assessment ascertained the importance of the large rectangular platform and its associated ditches determine whether it was the remains of a medieval moated homestead. The assessment included documentary and cartographic research, a walk-over survey and analysis of Aerial Photography and LiDAR survey data. Palaeoenvironmental assessment was sub-contracted to Oxford Archaeology.

The assessment revealed a number of historic factors that will have affected the site including a 15th century forge, the Upper Ouse Navigation Act, a series of ponds, quarrying, and possible military presence on the site. Most importantly, it was concluded that the platform and associated ditch were most likely to be a medieval moated site. These conclusions will be used to assist EA in designing 

works for river management. Depending upon the works chosen, a detailed programme of evaluation to further identify and assess the importance of the surviving archaeological remains and to inform design decisions to mitigate the impact during the river management has been devised

Knepp Castle, West Sussex, Archaeological Survey

Nexus Heritage undertook an archaeological survey on behalf of the Environment Agency for the Knepp Castle Estate along the River Adur, near Horsham in West Sussex. The survey formed part of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the River Adur Restoration Project. The archaeological survey provided a comprehensive understanding of the archaeological and historical landscape, identified potential impacts and cultural heritage restraints and included a sensitivity map to guide the design and explore further opportunities.

The landscape consisted mostly of agricultural land, and contained a Scheduled Ancient Monument a registered park and garden and a number of structures of archaeological interest, such as a fishery, a mill, several footpaths and footbridges, historic field boundaries, drainage channels and a rifle range. It was concluded that the effects of the proposed river/landscape restoration works on the historic environment would be beneficial, insofar as the historic character and land-uses which

pertained prior to the canalisation of the River Adur in c.1809 would be restored and no significant known archaeological or historic resources would be impacted.

Gwyn-fynydd Mine

Proposals for the development of a holiday park centred on the former Gwyn-fynydd mine required the preparation of a desk-based assessment. The site is within an area of extensive historic gold mining and it is the remains of the mining complexes which dominate the archaeological and historic interest at the site – represented by surface remains, upstanding buildings and subterranean features. Given the coherence of the features it was acknowledged that the site exhibited heritage

significance sufficient to require measures to mitigate the risk of impact during development and an appropriate risk profile was prepared to assist the developer in advancing planning and budgetary proposals for the site.

Barton-under-Needwood Staffordshire Industrial Units

In 1994 A Martin and G Wait led a team from Gifford who were commissioned by L H Group Holdings to advise on archaeological constraints likely to affect a planned expansion to one of the Group’s major industrial centres at Barton-under-Needwood (Staffordshire). Initial research revealed that the adjacent field, considered for development, contained a Scheduled Ancient Monument and various other traces of prehistoric land-use. This commission led to various stages of archaeological

investigation, including large-scale excavation on the site. The careful staging of the investigations and consultancy allowed the client to achieve a position in which a potentially difficult site was freed for development, with the agreement and support of the archaeological profession and the agreement of English Heritage.

ACES – Archaeology and Construction Engineering Skills Project

Nexus Heritage is the specialist sub-consultant to Gifford to provide technical and management support to this EU funded project developing e-based continuing professional development training modules for archaeologists and engineers across Europe in partnership with the UK Institute for Archaeologists, Sintef-Byggsforsk with the Riksantikvaren in Norway, the Polish British Construction Partnership and Polish Association of Building managers with the Institute of Prehistory at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland, and ERBIL Construction Project Engineering Company with Pamukkale University Engineering and Archaeology Departments in Turkey.

http://aces-project.eu/

Conservation Management Planning

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Nexus Heritage part of landmark team for a cultural heritage plan for Mongolia

Oyu Tolgoi, LLC, has awarded the design of the Oyu Tolgoi cultural heritage plan (CHP) to the Mongolian International Heritage Team (MIHT). The purpose of this study is to develop a CHP that allows Mongolia and Mongolians to define a process by which their heritage is not only preserved, but enhanced, at the same time that the country’s natural resources are appropriately developed. The objective of this study is to create a CHP specific to the Oyu Tolgoi (OT) project, and the goal is for the OT CHP to serve as a model for the country. We are designing a cultural heritage program for a mine encompassing a vast area with a use life extending well into the second half of the 21st century. OT is so large that for all intents and purposes the OT CHP will serve as a model for heritage resource management for the entire country of Mongolia. We will cover all aspects of heritage- tangible and intangible-spanning the fields of archaeology, history, anthropology, paleontology, folklore, language, museology, heritage tourism, and public education.

OT is the largest as-yet-undeveloped copper-gold ore deposit in the world. The project is located in

Khanbogd county (soum), Ömnogovi (South Gobi) province (aimag) of southern Mongolia, and upon completion will represent investments of approximately 4 billion U.S. dollars. Due to the scale and nature of OT’s operations, the project will have a variety of direct and indirect impacts on communities and stakeholders, including both positive and negative influences. One set of concerns expressed repeatedly in community meetings in the South Gobi involves cultural heritage. Locals are concerned that cultural objects and traditions may be lost, yet they remain cautiously optimistic that mining operations will provide better opportunities to support local museums, protect cultural resources in situ, restore and conserve damaged cultural items, and encourage heritage tourism.

The design of the CHP will take place over the next year. It will cover both tangible heritage resources, such as archaeological and paleontological sites, and intangible resources, such as folklore, dances, and the Mongol way of life. We will design practical procedures to minimize the impacts of mining activities on historical sites as well as devise plans to enhance local museums and encourage cultural events to draw tourists. The OT CHP is as ambitious as it is unprecedented.

The MIHT is composed of four principal partners—Mongolian Academy of Sciences Institute of Archaeology (MASIA); Sustainability East Asia, LLC; Statistical Research, Inc. (SRI); and the University of Arizona (UA)—along with numerous cultural heritage scholars from around the world. We are led by Dr. B. Gunchinsuren (MASIA), Dr. John Olsen (UA), and Dr. Jeffrey Altschul (SRI). John Miragliotta (Sustainability) is the project manager. Team leaders are Dr. Ch. Amartuvshin (Tangible Resources, MASIA), Dr. J. Gerelbadrakh (Public Programs, Mongolian University of Education), and Dr. S. Chuluun (Intangible Resources, National University of Mongolia).

International specialists on the team include: Dr. A. Ochir (International Institute for the Study of Nomadic Civilizations), Dr. K. Tsogtbaatar (MAS Institute of Geology), Dr. Willem Willems (Leiden University), Dr. Hilary du Cross (Hong Kong Institute of Education), Dr. Chen Shen (Royal Ontario Museum), Dr. Michael Novacek (American Museum of Natural History), Dr. Jeffrey Homburg (SRI), Dr. Gerald Wait (Nexus Heritage), and Dr. Diane Douglas (SRI Foundation).

For more information on the OT CHP, please contact Gerald Wait gerry.wait@nexus-heritage.com

Tulsk Medieval Gaelic Complex, County Roscommon, Ireland: Conservation Management Strategy

Nexus Heritage is a sub-consultant to Gifford in producing a Conservation management Plan for the complex of three sites (a Medieval Dominican Priory: a Medieval Tower House excavated by the Discovery Programme, and a further castle mound) located adjacent to the community and heritage centre in Tulsk.

Errigal Truagh church and graveyard, Co Monaghan: Conservation Management Strategy

A CMS undertaken in autumn 2007 for Monaghan County Council and The Heritage Council. Archaeologists and conservation engineers combined to produce a detailed study of the problems and opportunities presented by this early church site.

Ballynacarrig Mill (Tullamore, Ireland)

A conservation management strategy was produced for this 17th century watermill complex near Tullamore as part of the feasibility and outline design stages for a residential and therapy centre for disabled children.

Rothe House, Kilkenny: Conservation Management Plan

Conservation management Plan and Implementation Strategy for this late 16th-century merchant’s house complex, part heavily restored in the 1960s, and more recently serving as offices for the Heritage Council. The CMP set policies in place and actions that have been successfully implemented, leading to much increased visitor numbers and improved conservation and presentation. The CMP is available through the Heritage Council website.

Oystermouth Castle - Public Heritage

Oystermouth is a castle of national importance in the ownership of the City and County of Swansea.  The castle was built in the late 12th century, although the majority of the buildings date from the 13th Century. A chapel and other buildings were added in the early 14th century, and two further ranges in the later medieval period. 

During 2003 - 04, a team of archaeologists and engineers undertook a Conservation Management

Plan. The project was undertaken in order to assess the significance of this nationally important Scheduled Ancient Monument, and recommend policies for its future repair and conservation. This was followed in 2004 – 2006 with emergency recording and conservation works.

In 2006-08 a major HLF Bid was prepared in enable the complete implementation of the actions arising in the CMP. In Sept 2008 this bid received nearly £1million in HLF funding.

Temple of Amun, Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Feasibility study and outline Conservation Plan for the temple complex of Amun at Aghurmi, Siwa, Egypt

Tintagel Castle Conservation Management Plan

Tintagel Caste, on the north coast of Cornwall, is a site of great interest for many reasons. It contains, among its attractions, a mysterious, largely unknown settlement and trading site of the 6th-7th centuries AD, an unusual castle of the 12th century, remains of 18th-19th century coastal cliff slate quarrying, spectacular volcanic and tectonic geological formations, classic rock slope landforms, rare coastal flora and seabirds and has also been associated with King Arthur and Merlin since Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote his History of King’s of Britain  in 1136.

English Heritage commissioned the conservation plan with management policies and a programme of related actions to promote, conserve and enhance the special cultural significance of Tintagel Castle, and its immediate setting.

EIAs

Sabodala Cultural Heritage Project Environmental Impact Assessment

In 2008, the Sabodala Cultural Heritage Project was retained by SRK Consulting to perform cultural resources studies for an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Sabodala Gold Mine. The mining concession covers 230 km2 in the upper Senegal River basin of eastern Senegal. Over the next several years, the SCHP team - consisting of  Nexus Heritage from the United Kingdom, the Institut Fondamental d’Afrique Noire (IFAN), based in Dakar, Senegal, and our partner company SRI - completed numerous tasks, including:

Background and Archival Research

Predictive Model of Surface and Subsurface Archaeological Sites

Ethnographic Survey of Traditional Tangible and Intangible Cultural Resources

Reconnaissance Archaeological Survey

Intensive Archaeological Survey and Test Excavations

Geoarchaeological Investigations

Ethnopedology Study of Traditional Farmers

Artifact Analysis

Archaeological Monitoring

Baseline Reports and CRM Plans

The Sabodala Cultural Heritage Project (SCHP) represents the first major archaeological and ethnographic study of this portion of the upper Senegal River basin. We documented 300,000 years of occupation as well as provided a synthetic interpretation of local Malinké history and society. But the SCHP is much more than an academic research project; it is the first comprehensive cultural resource study ever performed in Senegal. Our objective was not simply to document and evaluate the past and present culture and cultural resources, but also to assist IFAN in the development of the institutional infrastructure to perform similar studies in the future. 

Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm: Environmental Statement

Between 2003 and 2008 a chapter for an environmental statement an ASIDOHL report and a strategy for archaeological mitigation were prepared for a proposed 750MWe off-shore wind farm in Liverpool Bay. The work included consideration of the 1242km offshore turbine array, the export cable to the shore and the terrestrial infrastructure required to link the wind-farm to the national transmission system.

A303 Stonehenge

Gifford Archaeology has since 2002 been responsible for all aspects of the cultural heritage assessment and design of the high-profile A303 Improvement Scheme, working within a large multidisciplinary team of engineers and environmental specialists. The area around Stonehenge is one of the richest archaeological landscapes in the British Isles.

Gifford produced the Cultural Heritage chapter of the Environmental Statement, alternative route

assessments to inform the Public Inquiry, and formulated general and detailed mitigation strategies to be implemented prior to the construction of the scheme. Designated an ‘Exceptional; Environmental Scheme’ by the government, the scheme represents the cutting edge approach to the assessment and mitigation of impacts upon the archaeological resource, including avoidance of nationally important sites, and full excavation of remains where direct impacts could not be avoided.

Rosia Montana Gold Mine, Romania – 2003 - present

Dr G Wait has been advising the EIA co-ordinators, Canadian consultants ESG-Stantec, and the client, Rosia Montana Gold Corporation, on issues connected to the Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Statement, Public Consultation process, archaeology, ancient mines, historic buildings, churches and cemeteries, historic landscape, and the potential for cultural tourism to provide sustainable development for the local community beyond the duration of the proposed project.

Historic Environment

Mount Wise Redoubt. Plymouth; HLF Restoration Project

Plymouth Development Corporation, (acting in partnership with Plymouth City Council), commissioned  a study and design scheme for the restoration of an urban park, in support of an application to the Heritage Lottery fund, under the Urban Parks Programme. A multi-disciplinary team of archaeologists, marine and structural engineers, landscape architects, architects and quantity surveyors was formed to successfully implement Phase 1: restoration of the Redoubt.

Rochester Castle

Dr G Wait managed on behalf of Gifford the assembly, co-ordination and participation in an international consortium of organisations working to conserve the curtain walls of the magnificent Medieval castle of Rochester, Kent. The consortium consisted of British archaeologists and structural engineers, the Italian remote sensing company Euromin, the materials science institute IBAC at the University of Aachen, and German materials science expert P Sobek. Funding for the project was

derived from the European Community's Project Raphael, the City of Rochester upon Medway, and English Heritage.

Heritage Council, Conservation Study of Earthworks and Management

Conservation Study of the geotechnical structures of, and causes of erosion to, archaeological earthwork sites in Ireland, with a review of management schemes including low-intervention and more intrusive schemes appropriate to a variety of current or anticipated uses. This is due for publication by the Heritage Council in the next few months.

Heritage Council, Study of Monument Grading in Ireland

Assessment of existing European monument grading systems in order to provide an outline of the issues that would need consideration to inform decisions about the appropriateness of monument grading in Ireland  to be made. The study was carried out to aid dialogue within and without the heritage discipline in Ireland. A summary version is Strategy is due for publication in 2007.

National Roads Authority, Guidelines for the Assessment of Cultural Heritage Impacts of National Road Schemes

This study (competed early 2007) considered for the first time a methodology for understanding and assessing the effects of road-schemes upon what is becoming known as the ‘intangible cultural heritage’ and which includes Local History and Genealogy, Folklore, Memory and Oral History, Literature, Traditions, Tourism, Historical/cultural Geography and Natural History. The Gifford team included specialist academic support from Australia and Canada, drawing upon experience in those countries as well as several European countries.

Rotherwas Historic Study

Rotherwas Industrial Estate was originally an Ordnance Filling Factory built in the First World War and extended in the Second. Also lying within the Industrial Estate are buildings from the original country estate, which the Filling Factory later displaced.

Herefordshire Council commissioned a Historic Study/Management Plan of the site to assess the significance of the site and its individual structures. The purpose of this study was to provide the

Council with a strategic planning tool which they could use to guide the redevelopment of the site and protect its most important elements.

Llangors Crannog

Llangors Crannog is a 10th Century artificial island lying in Llangors Lake in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The island is being eroded by wave action within the lake. A scheme to conserve the island has been devised and funding sought from CADW (Welsh Heritage) and the Heritage Lottery Fund. 

The solution, devised by marine engineers and archaeologists involves driving a series of timber piles

outside the line of archaeological sensitivity, with a ring of stone filled gabions inside. The ‘lakebed’ and archaeological timbers have been protected with a geotextile sheet, and carefully placed rock armour and gabions.

New Forest District Landscape Character Assessment

Dr G Wait for Gifford, in association with Environmental Resources Management (ERM), were commissioned by the New Forest District Council, in partnership with Hampshire County Council, the Countryside Agency and English Heritage, to undertake a Landscape Character Assessment. The purpose of the study was to provide an assessment of the entire New Forest District which could then be used as a source of information, for planning and land management in the New Forest, as well as

creating a detailed, up to date picture of the landscapes of the Heritage Area and adjoining land.

The commission was subsequently extended to provide expert advice into the proposal for a New National Park, created in 2005.

Niuheliang, Liaoning Environment Project

Assessment of heritage management strategies and the preparation of site specific proposals for major sites including the religious complex at Niuheliang. The project has been noteworthy for the range of institutions involved, demanding diplomacy and project management skills as well as technical expertise in field archaeology.

Analytic Earthwork Surveys

Type of Analytical Earthwork Survey:

Three levels of recording have been identified by English Heritage for Analytical Earthwork Survey depending on the size, complexity and purpose of a site and project. These are summarised below:

Level 1: A rapid field investigation consisting of the archaeological site’s location, possible date, type and condition. The aim is to provide a basic map/plan depiction and brief annotation of the core information of a monument or landscape.

Level 2:  A basic descriptive and interpretive record of an archaeological monument or landscape, consisting of the core information, an analysis of its development and use and the conclusions reached. However, it does not include in detail the evidence on which this is based. A non-map based metrically accurate survey and ground photography is also included.

Level 3: A comprehensive and multi-disciplinary record of an archaeological field monument or landscape; incorporating the fullest combination of archaeological and cartographic source material,

surveys, interpretations and contextual analyses. An accurate measured survey (sometimes map-based) is included at an appropriate scale (at 1:1 250 or larger), designed to represent the form and complexity of the monument in addition to concise description of the site (plan, form, dimensions and area, function, age, developmental sequence and past land use) and full analysis and interpretation.

Nexus Heritage offers all three levels of survey and can be consulted on which level is most suitable to a particular site. The hachured plan is the most effective means of depicting earthworks but it is often necessary to develop analysis more readily through interpretation plans.

Stilwell Shipbuilding Sites, Bermuda

As part of a joint project between Ironbridge Archaeology and the Bermuda National Trust, Kate Page-Smith (then a supervisor for Ironbridge) undertook a survey of the shipbuilding sites located on the island’s north shoreline. A number of sites were identified and one site was chosen for a detailed survey.

This project identified aspects of Bermudian history that were previously believed to have been lost, and brought analytical field survey methodology to the island for the first time. Further investigations are due to take place to explore these elements and to enable the Bermuda National Trust to revaluate their cultural heritage. Other aspects of the project focused on evidence for 18th and 19th century slave quarters at Vermount House and excavations were also undertaken at Government House.

Iron Age/Romano-British Settlement, Yorkshire Dales: Archaeological Survey and Investigation

An archaeological investigation of an Iron Age or Romano-British settlement, with remains of a small post-medieval lead mine, was implemented to address conservation and management issues surrounding the site and for training purposes. The survey was carried out at Level 3 standard (as defined in RCHME 1999, 3-4) and produced a plan at 1:1 000 scale; although selected individual structures were singled out for recording at a larger scale. Specialist reports on the post-medieval mining activity and on the lichens were also commissioned.

The survey revealed that although the preservation of the site had been exaggerated by 20th century excavations, the settlement remains were of national importance and required further protection.

Archaeological Survey and Investigation of an alum house

Due to the imminent threat of coastal erosion, an archaeological survey and investigation was undertaken of an alum house in Yorkshire. The site, which was part of a larger concentration of alum complexes located in the area, was at its peak in the 18th and early 19th centuries, but abruptly declined in approximately 1818 century due to new technical advancements. After the site was abandoned it was utilized as pastoral land.

In order to highlight the damage inflicted upon the site and to preserve it by record, a level 3 standard survey (as defined in RCHME 1999, 3-4) was conducted. This revealed the remains of boiling, settling, and cooling houses, furnaces, ancillary buildings, reservoirs and a possible liquor cistern.

Bronze-Age Enclosure, Devon: Archaeological Survey and Investigation

A survey was undertaken of the largest and arguably the most important enclosure in the Avon Valley. The enclosure covers an area of 2.8 hectares and consists of two conjoined corrals, 27 hut circles and 23 adjoining yard structures. Apart from a few breaches in the wall and remnants of small scale excavations in the 20th century, the monument was in very good condition. 

An archaeological survey was implemented to record the present condition and composition of the enclosure and to further understanding of it. The survey identified that the primary structure was the southern pound, which was later conjoined to an adjacent enclosure to the north. A number of previously unknown hut circles and court yard structures were also uncovered.

Cumnor Place, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Investigation

In collaboration with Ironbridge Archaeology, a programme of intrusive and non-intrusive investigations was undertaken on an earthwork previously believed to be the remains of an Elizabethan garden. The fieldwork, which took place between April and October 2007, included a GPS and EDM earthwork survey of the monument and its surrounding landscape, and the excavation of 6 trail trenches. These investigations revealed that the substantial earthwork was the remains of an

unfinished 16th century garden, presumably associated with Cumnor Hall. In addition to this a wealth of previously unknown medieval and post-medieval earthworks were exposed, including terraces, ridge and furrow, water meadows and ponds, highlighting the evolution of this extraordinary landscape.  

Ecology and Archaeology Archaeological Day School, Bristol University

A day school was conducted at Bristol University in November 2005 for the public and undergraduates. It explored the relationship between ecology and archaeological features and discussed how their amalgamation could benefit fieldwork in both disciplines. The history and location of plants and trees were examined and as a result key archaeological indicators were identified.

Archaeological Survey and Investigation of Mining Remains in Devon

Since at least the medieval period, Dartmoor had been subjected to the continuous extraction of tin, copper, silver-lead and iron. By the 18th century this was a thriving industry,  the result of which is a landscape full of abandoned  mining complexes. Although a very similar landscape in the adjacent county of Cornwall was recently designated as a World Heritage Site, the industrial remains of Dartmoor had been largely overlooked. 

Over the course of a year, a systematic archaeological examination of surface remains, specifically focused on 18th - 20th century mines on the uplands and peripheral woodlands was undertaken on Dartmoor. The aim of the survey was to increase understanding of the industry both locally and nationally and the historical environment of the National Park. The survey focused mainly on the Ashburton and Buckfastleigh district (an area of approximately 174 km2), and uncovered 35 mining related sites. 

Comprehensive Landscape Condition Survey, Devon

A comprehensive large scale archaeological condition survey was undertaken of all the archaeological surface remains found in a total area of 13,000 hectares on Dartmoor. This was part of a 5 year project to record the historic environment of the area through a programme of reconnaissance, survey and mapping, to inform conservation and management issues.

The study area was found to contain at least 809 archaeological sites. These ranged from small

monuments such as small cairns, boundary stones and ruined buildings, to extensive landscapes consisting of prehistoric field systems, settlements and ritual monuments, medieval and post-medieval settlements and fields, and industrial features. 

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