An Evening with Natural England’s Archaeologists
Join us for this fantastic opportunity to hear from key speakers from Natural England, the Government’s nature and landscape advisor on how nature and archaeology can work together to help recover habitats and build better places. We’ll explore how their archaeologists are supporting nature recovery projects across England and rediscovering the hidden histories on our National Nature Reserves.
Hosted by the CBA and Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, the event will feature three presentations followed by the opportunity for the audience to ask questions.
Details of the three talks are below, and you can find out more about our hosts and speakers in the biographies at the bottom of the page.
This summer we are celebrating links between Archaeology and Nature as the theme of the Festival of Archaeology 18th July – 2nd August. Keep an eye on the event listings for more talks, walks and hands-on experiences to connect with nature and archaeology near you.
Protecting the Past and Growing the Future in Natural England’s Farm & Land Management Advice – Rosie Cummings
Human activity has shaped our nature and landscapes for millennia, and today the countryside preserves evidence of our shared history. For over 30 years Government-funded environmental land management schemes have been a crucial tool to help farmers protect and enhance nature and rural heritage. Much of England’s archaeology can be found on farmland, with 78% of Scheduled Monuments and 67% of Registered Parks and Gardens situated on farmland. But these protected sites represent only a fraction of the nation’s cultural heritage, with many thousands of other archaeological features recorded across Britain’s countryside. In this talk we’ll explore examples of how Natural England’s advisors and our partners help farmers to protect archaeology and heritage sites, and the benefits this brings for nature and people.
Hidden Histories of National Nature Reserves – Steve Hall
National Nature Reserves (NNRs) were established to protect some of our most important habitats, species and geology, and to provide ‘outdoor laboratories’ for research. Natural England’s NNRs are open to the public to connect with nature and be inspired by our fantastic wildlife, habitats, geology and landscapes. On our NNRs the historic environment includes individual features such as historic buildings and upstanding archaeological monuments, but also historic landscapes such as commons, former military complexes and industrial sites. They also feature historic land use patterns like old coppice and pollards, and field boundaries and patterns. While there is no archaeological feature or monument type unique to NNRs, the pattern of previous land use has left a wide range of features, such as a common with a history of grazing, mineral exploitation and military use. The NNR network continues to grow, building on 70 years of declarations, with the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves created to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, and highlight the elevated ambition for nature recovery in England.
Managing England’s Battlefields for People, Nature, and Heritage – Ian Marshman
Battlefields are landscapes where matters of life and death and the course of history were directly affected by natural features like rivers, hills and forests. They can preserve precious and fragile archaeological evidence and be places of communal value featuring memorials that continue to be places of reflection and a focus for remembrance. To mark 30 years since the first Registered Battlefields were designated in 1995, Natural England has been working with Historic England, Forestry Commission, and the Battlefields Trust to reflect on our experiences working with the farmers and communities who care for these sites. In this talk we’ll explore examples from our new publication “Managing Registered Battlefields” to see how these special parts of England’s landscape can deliver more for people, nature and heritage.
Clemency Cooper
Rosie Cummings
Steve Hall
Dr Tony Juniper
