norfolkdiary

EastAnglian

Archaeology and

Regional Research Frameworks

Archaeologists in East Anglia have co-

operated at a regional level for many years, the most visible fruit of such partnership being the monograph series East Anglian Archaeology which is nearing its one hundredth volume. EAAnow consists of the mono-

graph series itself, plus a new series of Occasional Papers. A website

(www.eaareports.org.uk) has also just been launched with details of new and forthcoming volumes as well as a comprehensive backlist. Many titles are reduced in price and readers are urged to log on if they are in search of archaeological bargains.

The Occasional Paper series is the vehicleforthe EastAnglianRegional ResearchFramework,the first part of which (ResourceAssessment)appeared inlate1997.Thesecondandthirdparts

(Research Agenda and Research

Strategy) were launched in Cambridge on 25th Maythis yearthus markingthe first completed regional research framework.

The document examines the archaeology of the region chrono-

logically, splitting the text between urban and rural for the post-Roman period. It is intended as a 'live' document with recognitionthat the Strategy willneed regular revision.The Schoolof Pythagoraswaschosenfor the launch, as a suitably ancient building for such an event, but this plan had to be abandoned on the daywhen the roof sprung a leak. Rather than viewing this as an ill-omen, it was decided that it merely demonstrated the need for preparednessand flexibility,both of which it is hoped that the Frameworkwill deliver for the archaeologyof EastAnglia. .

Regional Statement woodland) is about to be completed.

Norfolk Landscape Archaeology, part of

The opportunity provided by the

Cambridge event was also used to launch a document produced by the County Archaeologists of the region.

Norfolk's Archaeology & Environment

Division, has employed a consultant,

Brian Cushion, formerly of the

Ordnance Survey, to undertake the

Snappily entitled Taking a Lead in work. The results, together with

Safeguarding the

Historic

Environment of the East of England,

this publication explores the range of services offered by the various county descriptive text and supporting air photographs, will be published in East Anglian Archaeology. As well as providing a record of the monuments the publication will also stress the need

~;,- ~~_nn_..........

'"

... -\..

(in-" :~~

r.tia. ,'~d ia \,;'iu}iguan1ia"."

"!'t:'" Ea"'"m,", af'"'/f'" afEnglnnd for effective management of earthworks to ensure both their survival and,

where possible, public enjoyment.

.

Talking to landowners authorities and demonstrates how careful management of the historic environment contributes to other activities and agenda, such as inward investment, sustainable development and lifelong learning. There have been regular meetings of EastAnglian county archaeologists for over twenty years but these have now been reconstituted as

ALGAO East, the East of England region of the Association of Local Government

Archaeological Officers. The document is the first publication of this group and is intended primarily for local authorities and other agencies in the region, but single copies can be obtained from:

Caroline Ingle, Heritage Conservation

Group, Planning Division Essex County

Council, County Hall, Chelmsford

1QH.(M SAEplease)

.

CM 1

The Earthworks Survey helps to inform another Norfolk project where,

in partnership with English Heritage and the Department of Planning &

Transportation of Norfolk County

Council (and in close liaison with MAFF

and the CLA),archaeologists work with local landowners to foster awareness of monuments on privately owned land. Helen Paterson, a former Field

Monument Warden in the county, visits landowners all over Norfolk, discusses individual monuments with them, and agrees management regimes ranging from removal of overwintering cattle to reduction in inappropriate tree cover.

Some sites are covered by negotiated Section 17 Agreements, but the bulk of monuments are now managed within voluntary agreements, often providing public access where none existed before. Mileham Castle is perhaps the most spectacular such monument now accessible while locations such as the

Iron Age hillfort at Warham Camp have

Norfolk Earthworks

Survey been enhanced by an on-site display board which not only explains the archaeological significance of the site but also highlights the important flora of what is a rare site of chalk downland

A five year project in Norfolk to in Norfolk. .

produce accurate surveys of all known earthworks in the county (outside

60

mW~~~