CAMBRIA Archaeology

Cambria Archaeology has now provided archaeological advice to 1000 farms throughout southwest Wales as part of the Tir Gofal agri-environment scheme. The scheme is run by the Countryside Council for Wales and aims to encourage agricultural practices that promote the conservation of the 'historic' and 'natural' environment. Cambria Archaeology provi... des management advice on the historic environment of every farm that joins the scheme, using information from the regional Sites and Monuments Record and historic maps. In addition, over 200 of the farms have so far been visited by an archaeologist from Cambria to identify further areas where the archaeology could be effectively protected or enhanced. Tir Gofal allows the opportunity to visit large areas of countryside that have not been surveyed before, providing new information on previously known sites and identifying hundreds more for the first time. In one case, an area of parkland decorated with specimen trees was found to be designed to represent the battle positions of troops during a campaign in India! Importantly, the farmers and landowners share their own knowledge of the farm's landscape and its history. As well as specific archaeological sites, we also look at extensive landscape features such as field patterns and types of field boundaries, features that give a locality its distinct character. We also provide advice on restoration projects for traditional buildings or other features. In the long-term Tir Gofal will help to preserve individual archaeological sites and landscape character and it will also dramatically enhance our knowledge of the historic landscape of Wales.Read More