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The Harnham Water Meadows Framework Management Plan- Contents

7. Archaeology

7.1 The meadows present a sequence of development from pre-floating (medieval) grazing marsh through a succession of construction materials (stone, brick, concrete, brieze blocks and associated metal and wooden constructions) and layout design. They present a challenge regarding how the archaeology may be accommodated in restoration and how this may be achieved while improving the interpretation for visitors. There is good archaeological and historical expertise within the Friends and links with agencies and organisations outside the Trust. It is important to undertake a proper, professional and indeed exemplary standard of excavation on certain hitherto un-exposed original structures, ahead of authentic restoration.

7.2 The conference supported the producing an inventory for archaeological resources of the meadows and a ‘themed’ archaeological walk is desirable. Maintenance of the boundaries in the ‘traditional’ fashion (with pollards and layered hedges) is highly desirable because, like sinuous ditches, these boundaries are presumed pre-floating and probably medieval in origin. ANNEX V shows a list of archaeologically related jobs.

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