AONB designation recognises the importance of heritage and reinforces the need to protect and manage characteristic features. The historical value of the area is incredibly rich and important. Interest and participation in this subject is also high. It is also recognised that customs and traditions have historic and cultural value and such events often take place demonstrating community engagement with their heritage.
Current Project Work Last Updated 05/10. For more details on any of the projects please email mendiphills@somerset.gov.uk
Produce an archaeological management Plan for Black Down. Black Down is a complex landscape designated a Scheduled Monument due to its significant Bronze Age Barrow Cemetery (Beacon Batch) and a WW2 decoy town site. Through the Black Down Advisory Group funding was identified through Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship Scheme to commission this work and is being led by English Heritage.
Launch of Mendip Hills Festival of Archaeology Saturday 17 July 2010
The Mendip Hills Festival of Archaeology will be launched at 10.30 a.m at Wells & Mendip Museum on Saturday 17 July by Dr Jodie Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at University of Worcester and editor of forthcoming ‘The Archaeology of Mendip, 500,000 Years of Continuity and Change’. At 11.30am there will activities at Wells Museum. Children will be able to meet Eddix ‘The Old Boar’ a fugitive Celt and take part in activities such as pottery making. There will also be pewter casting demonstrations.
At 2.30pm – 4.30pm there will be a guided family walk across Priddy Nine Barrows led by Dr Jodie Lewis. Numbers are limited and therefore booking with the Museum is essential Tel 01749 673477.
The Festival will take place from Saturday 17 July to Sunday 1 August, with support from the Mendip Hills AONB Sustainable Development Fund. It is part of the Festival of British Archaeology, the annual extravaganza of heritage events coordinated by the Council for British Archaeology.
Jane Hill, Mendip Hills Festival of Archaeology Coordinator commented “The Festival of Archaeology celebrates the richness of our landscape’s heritage, and in the Mendip Hills we are particularly fortunate to have such a wealth of history on our doorstep! There is something for everyone, at any age; guided walks, green man trails, brass rubbing, exhibitions of Saxon digs, tours of the Cathedral, stone age survival skills and caving trips. Have a look at the programme and find out what’s on near you!” The leaflet with all the events listed is available from libraries, tourist information centres or online at www.wellsmuseum@ukonline.co.uk or www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk
Mendip Hills Festival of Archaeology Leaflet Available
A leaflet of events taking place during the Mendip Hills Festival of Archaeology Saturday 17 July to Sunday 1 August 2010 is now available from libraries, tourist information centres Wells Museum and our Publications page
SCHEDULED MONUMENTS
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