In the 1990s, archaeological surveys were undertaken for all our major estates across the region through a partnership with local authorities and Lancaster University’s archaeology unit. However prioritising work from these surveys has been difficult due to a lack of internal expertise. So, in the past year our catchment team has worked closely with the Lake District National Park’s heritage and landscape team to establish ways of identifying and prioritising Archaeology and Heritage work from the surveys:
- A volunteer group were trained in simple field techniques to identify monuments from the original survey which are at risk and require protection
- We made a small investment in weather writers and GPS units to equip the volunteers
- Survey work has been progressing throughout 2008/9 on the Thirlmere and Haweswater estates
- The results of the surveys are identified monuments at risk which we can add to our Heritage work programme
- Remedies may be undertaken directly by the catchment team, indirectly through volunteers or in partnership with others
- Some water industry features will have heritage value but will not necessarily be within the scope of the surveys. However, these will be given special consideration for attention
This approach has been written into a draft business case with a view to consolidating our policy and commitments on heritage. If adopted, this approach will be taken up by all catchment teams.
St John’s in the Vale - Ash pollarding
Environmental Stewardship Agreement (ESA) holders in the Thirlmere and St John’s valley have been encouraged to continue the tradition of pollarding ash trees in their fields and along boundaries and watercourses. Pollarding extends tree life and some of the specimens on our land are centuries old, whereas ash trees not treated in this way generally have a much shorter life. Our catchment team have complimented the ESA work undertaken by farmers by pollarding trees on adjacent catchment land which we manage. Care has been taken to stagger work so that future cutting is spread over the cutting cycle of about 15 years. Our pollard trees are also important habitat for a wide range of species and their management features in our forest planning and annual Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) audit.