Hastings to Purbeck

Maritime Archaeology Ltd and SeaZone have recently been commissioned by English Heritage to undertake a Historic Seascape Characterisation (HSC) of the south coast between Hastings and Purbeck, extending out to the limits of UK Controlled Waters.

Historic Seascape Characterisation presents an archaeological interpretation of the historic cultural dimension of our coasts and seas by identifying and mapping areas whose present character has been shaped by similar dominant cultural processes. After rigorous development and testing, a nationally-applicable method for characterising HSC using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was finalised and published by English Heritage in 2008. Maritime Archaeology Ltd and SeaZone will be using in-house expertise in maritime archaeology, GIS, HSC and database development to apply the methodology in close communication with English Heritage’s Characterisation Team.

More information about Historic Seascape Characterisation and a link to the National HSC Method Statement can be found here. We will be posting further information on our website in due course, and will be holding an HSC stakeholder seminar on completion of the project to disseminate the results.

MA Ltd have an accomplished record of providing services to the marine aggregate industry. Desk-based assessment, pre-dredge analysis and archaeological monitoring reviews are highly tailored to the unique environment and requirments of the project, while delivering high quality reporting combining:

• Client/contractor liaison and consultation
• Data processing and analysis
• High-quality 2D/3D imagery suitable for  range of outputs
• Geophysical survey interpretation

Examples

• GIS analysis and publishing
• High-end digital and hard copy products

The overall aim of this project is to examine the perceived inconsistencies between the National Monuments Record (NMR) and United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) datasets and, where applicable, suggest solutions as to how these discrepancies should be overcome. Continuous communication with the NMR and UKHO and SeaZone will ensure detailed understanding of both datasets.

This project analyses the maritime NMR and UKHO data in areas that are currently subject to marine aggregate dredging as well as areas of potential marine dredging. This will support the work undertaken by the NMR in relation to finds reported through the EH-British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA) Protocol for Reporting Finds of Archaeological Interest. It will enable better informed licencing processes and facilitate a greater understanding of the data required to support UK Government priorities such as marine spatial planning.

This project involves four phases of work:

Phase 1: identify the scale of the problem and make recommendations.

Phase 2: test the recommendations to identify fit for purpose and practical solutions.

Phase 3: resolve data issues (where applicable) based on Phase 2 results.

Phase 4: production of guidance notes.

The current Phase 1, the identification of the scale of the problem, consists of:

• Undertaking a pilot study by reviewing NMR and UKHO datasets in and around all existing aggregates extraction areas;
• Undertaking a pilot study by reviewing NMR and UKHO datasets in the Thames Estuary and Humber areas since these are areas of potential aggregate extraction;
• Reviewing NMR and UKHO datasets in all Protected Wreck Sites in England as a comparative tool;
• Comparing the results of the three pilots;
• and Making recommendations for possible solutions.

Due to the nature of UKHO and NMR datasets, this phase will also include cross referencing both datasets to enable consistency and achievement of standards according to standards and protocols for the marine sector (http://www.oceannet.org/). Consequently, this approach will enable the essential delivery of effective evidence to allow management decisions within the marine environment. Any issues regarding UKHO data are outside the framework of this project but, if they arise, they would be fed back to UKHO and SeaZone.

MA Ltd have provided a range of services in relation to several Harbour Authorities on the south-coast, including Chichester Harbour Conservancy. These include geophysical assessment, desk-based assessment, field recording and advice on cultural resource management.

In June 2009 HWTMA received a request from a Hampshire Children’s Centre to organise a fun day out for their Dads’ Breakfast Club. The Breakfast Club is for fathers and their children of various ages. They meet regularly at the weekends for a breakfast club and from time to time take part in diverse activities around Hampshire.

The event was held at Manor Farm Country Park, Hampshire on a sunny Saturday in June. On their way to the venue the group’s coach unfortunately broke down, but as keen as they all were, the Dads took their children and walked the last bit to meet staff from HWTMA.

After a brief introduction we all went for a walk through countryside and ancient woodland towards the Hamble River, stopping in the woods to learn about old and new boats and how it is possible to recognise the difference between trees……..even if you are blindfolded! The path continued down to the river where we talked about the destiny of Grace Dieu an early 15th century ship, the remains of which lie in the mud of the River Hamble. We discussed how ships look when archaeologists finds them under water. Then all the children had to create miniature versions of their own dream ship. With some clay and pictures for inspiration we ended up with a fine fleet of Viking ships, cogs, coracles and even some cannonballs! Pack lunches were devoured and then it was time to visit the farm.

Everybody went off by themselves at the farm but by coincidence the whole gang met up in the Victorian school building where some of the children dressed up and others played with Victorian toys. The fathers remembered their own school days and the HWTMA staff entertained children by keeping the skipping rope going. Later in the afternoon we all had the opportunity to meet some of the smaller animals up close. The friendly staff at the farm passed around the bunnies and chicks so that everyone could touch, hold and feel real living animals. That was the last event of a long, sunny and fun day after which the dads and children got back on their coach, which hopefully took them all the way home without breaking down!

Before leaving, we asked all children and dads to let us know what they thought of the day. We didn’t want to put them off with forms to fill in, so used an informal, anonymous and quite fun method of giving them each a ‘voting token’ (casino gaming chip) and asking them to post it into the appropriate pot, to indicate their response to the day. The ‘voting’ pots were labeled: I did not have fun todayI think this day was OKI had a lot of fun today There was one vote in the I think this day was OK pot and the rest of the votes were in the I had a lot of fun today pot. There was a lovely friendly atmosphere with the group. Dads and children interacted brilliantly, the dads seemed to particularly enjoy helping the children build their model boats. On hearing that it was time to leave, one eight year old boy exclaimed: “But we’ve only been here for an hour!” (when in fact they’d been there for five hours!).

If you would like further information, please contact us at:
Tel: 02380 237300 or in the first instance
email; amanda.bowens@hwtma.org.uk

Speed networking is a fairly new concept based on the idea of speed- dating where you get to meet as many people as possible, in a short amount of time. Speed-networking has proven to be successful in the business sector and is now a popular component of many business conferences. A dynamic networking event where you are guaranteed the opportunity to discuss ideas and exchange contact details with many others.

Speed Networking event summary (Friday the 13th November 2009)

Despite the inauspicious date the event, devised and delivered by HWTMA was a great success! The event, funded by English Heritage through the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, took place at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton and was attended by educators and professionals from a wide variety of organisations. Some were relatively local while others travelled quite a distance to take part.

After a brief introduction and a very interesting talk by the guest speaker Julian Richards everyone sat down do take part in an intense and productive speed networking session. With 30 participants, all needing to meet each other individually, 4 minute sessions were arranged. Participants had been advised to bring at least 30 business cards and promotional material which they exchanged during their sessions.

The time rushed by and after a short lunch break, everyone was back networking again. Two sessions, almost three hours, and 30 people later all the tried but happy participants were served a glass of wine while being showed around HWTMA’s brand new community outreach van.

Another Speed Networking event is planned for September 2010 and if this event is anything to go by, places are likely to book up early, so please contact Christin Heamagi if you would like to be contacted when the new dates have been arranged.

I look forward to the next speed networking event,

This was a really good idea! It was a good event- Well done!

It is easy to work “tunnel visioned” in your own organisation- it is great to be able to expand one’s horizons and meet fellow professionals from elsewhere

Very well organised, much appreciated event

Excellent but exhausting!

Eight lucky and brave 12 to 17 year olds spent May 2008 exploring their sunken history as they dived into the cold Solent sea to explore ancient shipwrecks with maritime archaeologists from the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology (HWTMA).

As well as diving on shipwrecks including the Pomone, War Knight and Joannis Millis, the young pioneers also investigated the foreshore for WWII archaeology, and tried their hand at rowing a reproduction of an ancient coracle. With their new-found skills the group measured, drew, photographed and recorded the archaeology in exactly the same way as professional maritime archaeologists.

No other project of this kind has ever taken place before with such young archaeologists. HWTMA Education Officer, Alison Hamer says that she is “extremely proud of the children’s determination and is impressed with how the challenge brought out their best qualities”.

To find out more visit the website designed by the young people at, www.divein2008.co.uk

In July 2009 there were two trips on the National Oceanography Centre’s research vessel RV Callista. The trips were organised by HWTMA with the help of the Discover oceanography crew The trips were aimed at 10-13 year olds with a focus on science and how it is essential in many careers and disciplines such as maritime archaeology and oceanography.

The youngsters were onboard for four hours, during which time they learnt about different scientific techniques used in maritime archaeology and early methods of navigation. They had a go at using replica navigation instruments similar to those that would have been used hundreds of years ago.In addition the young people had a chance to see a range of marine sampling techniques used in studying life beneath the waves. Seabed samples were taken so they could see what was living in the mud and a trawl of the seabed revealed a miriad of living creatures.

This is what some of the participants said after the trip:

“I found out about different methods of navigation”

“I liked the whole day”

“Everything was best today!”

“I learned about sea algae”

“The best thing today was trying to catch the fish”

“I did not like that I had to leave after such a short time”

“The best thing today was to see animal I haven’t seen before”

“The best thing today was to learn about the boats gear”

“We learned how to make a compass with needle and water”

“I did not like to put my hands in the mud”