30 years of discovery, conservation and management of cultural heritage in England’s wetlands

Abstract

Historic England, and its precursor English Heritage, has a long tradition of supporting research into the discovery, understanding and management of archaeological sites in wetland landscapes, spanning uplands, lowlands, and coastal environments. In this paper I will explore how the emphasis of that research has changed over time, from the early extensive surveys and assessments of archaeology in the main lowland wetland areas of England, through to detailed understanding of particular places under threat and processes that pose risk to the long-term preservation of archaeological and paleoenvironmental remains in wetlands. Such processes encompass environmental risks, including climate change, and those created – intentionally or otherwise – by changing land management practices. Emphasis has shifted from management regimes that focus on individual sites towards those that include a detailed understanding of their broader hydrological context and landscape setting. Throughout the paper, I will reflect on the way Martin’s research has complemented, influenced and contributed to the evolving research agenda for England’s wetlands.