Ancient midden ‘unlikely to survive beyond 2010’

From the BBC News:

An ancient midden, or rubbish dump, thought to have historical importance is under serious threat from erosion, according to archaeologists.

They said it was doubtful if artefacts at Uamh an Eich Bhric on Skye's west coast would survive beyond 2010. Excavations at the site during 2008 and earlier this year were seen as the "only chance" to investigate it. A report published online by Highland Council's Historic Environment Record said it was key Iron Age site.

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Iron-age dig hitch for planned 1,200 homes in Scarborough

From the Scarborough Evening News:

The discovery of a possible Iron Age or Roman settlement could scupper plans on land earmarked for a massive housing estate.

A 13.5-acre section of land owned by Scarborough Council – part of the planned 1,200-home scheme at Middle Deepdale – may cover the remains of an early Iron Age or early-Romano British ladder village.

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Heather and Hillforts new chairman

From News Wales:

Rod Williams, a hillfort and smallholding owner from Denbighshire has been named as the new Chairman of the Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme.

As the owner of Penycloddiau hillfort and a 40 acre smallholding on the edge of the Clwydian Range, Rod Williams has a deep rooted connection to the outstanding heritage of the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountain.

He is currently a Council Member with the Countryside Council for Wales, governor at Llysfasi College, was awarded a fellowship of the Royal Agriculture Society for Services to Agri Business in Wales and is treasurer of Tŷ Croeso Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and the Royal Agri Benevolent Institution (Clwyd). He is also a frequent broadcaster on agricultural issues, especially on S4C and Radio Cymru.

The sudden death of the Project Chairman, Michael Griffith, earlier this year left a great void. Rod Williams shares Michael Griffith’s passion for the landscape and heritage and his belief that heritage conservation can go hand in hand with environmentally friendly farming.

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Protest over hill fort land sale

From the BBC:

Hundreds of people have staged a protest on land near an Iron Age hill fort in a bid to stop it being sold and keep it in public ownership.

Worthing Council has already said it has suspended the sale and will also review the decision to sell farmland near Cissbury Ring, in West Sussex.

The council said the review was because of public concern about the site.

The South Downs Society said it was a famous archaeological site that needed to remain in public ownership.

The group, Stop the Cissbury Sell-Off (SCSO), said about 400 people gathered for the rally and walked across the land in question, letting off flares.

SCSO spokesman Trevor Hodgson said there was strong feeling and a "massive turnout" by people who had vowed to fight on until the land was fully protected for generations to come.

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North Wales Iron Age fort given preservation facelift

From the Leader:

WORK to preserve an ancient relic in one of North Wales' most beautiful rural areas is expected to end this year.

Teams of country skills experts have been working on improving access to Moel Fenlli, an Iron Age hillfort, in Moel Famau country park, as well as trying to protect it from erosion.

The work has been carried out as part of Denbighshire Council’s Heather and Hillforts project, which centres around the Clwydian Range.

Samantha Williams, hillfort conservation officer, said: “The site is a scheduled ancient monument and a new innovative solution has been developed which means that nothing is put into the ground that could damage the archaeology.

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Time out for surgery

Just to let you know that there may not be any posts for a couple of weeks, as I need to take some time out for surgery. Posts will resume again as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Man finds treasure estimated to be worth of £1 million

From News.Scotsman.com:

A metal-detecting enthusiast has unearthed a 2,000-year-old treasure hoard worth an estimated £1 million, it was revealed today.

Four gold neckbands dating to the Iron Age were discovered in a field near Stirling by the amateur hunter.

The man, who has not been identified, informed Scotland's Treasure Trove Unit which sent a team to excavate the site, the Daily Record newspaper reported.

The bands, or "torcs", made from twisted gold, are thought to date from the 1st and 3rd century BC.

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