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.

• 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

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.

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 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!

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

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”

• Winfarm Development (link to follow)
• Marine Aggregate Extraction
• Port and Harbour development (link to follow)

• Intertidal and geophysical field survey
• Diver survey, monitoring and recording

• Example 1
• Example 2

• Enhancing the National Monuments Record
• Historic Seascape Characterisation: Hastings to Purbeck

• Family activity day
• Speed networking
• Discover Oceanography and Archaeology
• Young Archaeologists Dive In!

In addition to drawing on 18 years of experience gained through the work of the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology, MA Ltd has become an established company in the marine heritage sector and operates throughout the UK and internationally.

Completed projects to date have involved:

• A range of services in relation to Environmental Impact Assessment including development of briefs, scoping, archaeological desk based assessment, field survey, investigation and assessment, mitigation recommendations, ES sections.
• Marine geophysical survey – coordination, management, archaeological advice and interpretation.
• Diving and field investigations – including ports, harbours, marinas, submerged prehistoric landscapes and shipwrecks for commercial development and research.
• Strategic studies – including large projects related to oil and gas areas, and UK wide thematic assessments
• Specialist input into maritime archaeology and heritage aspects of successful fundraising applications, such as access reviews, audience development plans and option appraisals.
• A range of education and outreach services for schools, community groups and companies

A selection of our projects and clients have been included within the ‘Marine and heritage sectors we provide services for’ section of our website.

In short, we offer a wide range of maritime archaeology and heritage related services, please contact us with details of your requirements.

MA Ltd conducts all work in line with the Institute’s ‘Code of Conduct’ and adheres to the IFA’s ‘Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements in field archaeology’ and all relevant Standards and Guidance Documents.

MA Ltd’s senior project staff are corporate members of the IFA, and have therefore undergone a process of peer validation to determine their competence. All staff members are encouraged to become members of the IFA.

Relevant Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes:

• Terrestrial Fieldwork
  • Health and Safety in Field Archaeology’ (Standing Conference of Archaeological Unit Managers, 1999) – Guidance on issues specific to terrestrial archaeology

• Diving Fieldwork
  • 1997 HSE ‘Diving at Work’ Regulations
  • HSE Archaeological and Scientific Diving Approved Code of Practice
  • HSE Inland & Inshore Diving Approved Code of Practice
  • SDSC Advice notes for the Scientific & Archaeological Approved Code of Practice

Garry Momber

Garry Momber BA MSc MIFA

Emanating from seafaring stock, Garry embarked on his marine related career following a MSc in Maritime Archaeology at Bangor University. Having served almost two years working offshore as a Seismic Navigator he returned to his chosen profession working for the Nautical Archaeological Society and the Trust, and as a visiting lecturer for the Universities of Southampton and Bristol. He joined the Trust as the full time Archaeological Officer in 1997 in which time he helped to instigate a pioneering agenda of fieldwork and research. In January 2002 he was promoted to Trust Director.

Julie Satchell

Julie Satchell BA MA MIFA

Julie is the Trust’s Archaeological Officer, heading our active archaeological office. Her role includes formulating, organising and managing the HWTMA’s fieldwork and research programme. Prior to joining the HWTMA Julie gained a BA in Archaeology, and MA in Maritime Archaeology from the University of Southampton . For the next two years these skills were put to use in terrestrial contract archaeology.

Virginia Dellino-Musgrave

Virginia Dellino-Musgrave MA PhD MIFA

Vir completed her undergraduate studies in archaeology at the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina). She then undertook a Master of Arts in Maritime Archaeology and a doctoral research both at the University of Southampton (UK). From the beginning of her career, her research experience has been continuously developing through themes ranging from prehistoric societies on land to maritime and historical archaeology contexts. In 2007, she joined the HWTMA bringing her expertise in maritime archaeology at both national and international levels, her diverse practical skills in underwater archaeology in various overseas projects, and her experience within a government agency in relation to historic environment strategic issues, standards and best practice in the archaeological and wider community. In March 2008, she was elected Chair of the IFA Maritime Affairs Group.

Brandon Mason

Brandon Mason BSc MA

Brandon is involved in the delivery of several projects and manages various aspects of MA Ltd business. He is experienced in geophysical survey interpretation and  delivery of archaeological reporting for offshore industry and research units. He was previously responsible for the HLF funded Archiving HMS Invincible digitisation project and is a graduate of the MA Maritime Archaeology degree at Southampton. His particular interests are focussed towards the development of early to late medieval ships and boats, and marine geophysical techniques in archaeological interpretation.   Brandon’s skills include desk-based assessment, geophysical survey interpretation, and as an HSE certified commercial diver, he has worked on a number of historic wreck sites on the south coast and the Channel Islands. Brandon will be working to develop the MA Ltd commercial diving unit over the coming year.

Christin Heamagi

Christin Heamagi BA MA

Christin works as a project officer within Education and Outreach projects. She has a BA from the University of Stockholm 2006. Recently she graduated from the MA Maritime Archaeology degree at the University of Southampton. She has previously gained experience at the National Maritime Museums, Sweden, as well as several terrestrial and underwater sites across Europe. Christin has an interest in promoting knowledge of maritime archaeology to all age groups on a local and international basis.

Victoria Millership

Victoria Millership BA

Victoria joined the Trust in 2006 as the Administrator, and in 2009 also became a Project Officer. She has a BA in Ancient, Medieval and Modern History from the University of Durham and will be completing an MA in Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton in October 2009.

Jan Gillespie

Jan Gillespie BSc – on secondment

While completing her degree in Oceanography, Jan was a regular volunteer on Trust projects. She is the project officer for the Bouldnor Cliff Project, overseeing fieldwork, sampling and analysis. Jan has extensive diving experience and has taken over responsibility for maintaining the Trust’s dive equipment.

Kathryn Dagless

Kathryn Dagless

Kathryn is the Trust’s Development Officer. She has a BA in Archaeology from the University of Reading, and an MA in Post-excavation Studies from the University of Leicester. After working as a Finds Officer for a number of years, Kathryn moved into development and fundraising work. She has raised funds for heritage and education projects in archaeology units, universities and now the HWTMA, which she joined in November 2007.

Amanda Bowens

Amanda Bowens

Amanda works on the Education and Outreach side of the Trust’s remit. She has a BA in Archaeology and an MA in Maritime Archaeology, both from the University of Southampton. Amanda worked for five years as a Training Officer for the Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) and then spent three years running a learning/training charity in the Voluntary sector, during which time she worked freelance for the NAS, as editor and contributing author for the 2nd edition of Underwater Archaeology: the NAS Guide to Principles and Practice. Amanda has a particular interest in bringing maritime archaeology to the widest possible audience.

Caroline Barrie-Smith

Caroline Barrie- Smith

From 2009 Caroline became the Education Officer for the ‘Engaging New Audiences’ project. She has a degree in International Relations and Politics from Portsmouth University and is currently studying for a PGC in Interpretation and Presentation of Archaeological Heritage from Leicester University. After 4 years as an English Teacher in Japan and 2 years as the Learning and Interpretation Officer for the National Trust on Stonehenge Landscape she holds a plethora of education and outreach experiences to bring to this post. However as a Southampton girl born and bred her primary passion is getting the Trusts maritime archaeological messages out to the local masses.

Gareth Owen

Gareth joined the team in January 2009 as our Access and Outreach Officer for the ‘Engaging New Audiences’ project. Before reading archaeology as a mature student, Gareth worked in engineering. He graduated from Bournemouth University in 2000 witha BSc in archaeology and spent the next 8 years working as a commercial archaeologist,specialising in the analytical application of metric survey. He has a keen interest in outreach and has run a number of public displays using costumed interpreters toengage a varied audience.

MA Ltd is a registered company and profits from this trading wing are used to support the work of the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology. The HWTMA is a registered charity which aims to promote interest, research and knowledge of the maritime archaeological heritage.

» Click here to meet our staff

Digital data management and assessment: There is a wide range of digital data collected from the marine environment or held within maritime or heritage databases. MA Ltd is experienced in the use, management and presentation of digital data for a range of commercial, research and display purposes. We work to established data standards for the heritage and marine sectors.

Artefact and sample assessment and analysis: Archaeological and geotechnical sampling and excavation can result in the collection of a wide range of artefacts and deposits. As part of the archaeological assessment and analysis process these require specialist review. We are able to provide artefact work either through our in-house staff or with one of our partner specialists. This might include a range of artefact types, palaeoenvironmental assessment, timber analysis or scientific dating.

We have an excellent track record of successful project within the following sectors:

• Offshore energy and renewables: EIA related activities for a range of developments, particularly wind farms, from scoping through to construction and monitoring.
• Aggregates: Archaeological assessment in relation to new aggregate area licences, assessment of geophysical survey in relation to marine cultural heritage, extensive experience of on-going review and monitoring work.
• Ports, Harbours and Marinas: Full range of services required for new development, capital dredge requirements, channel deepening, shoreside works and historic building re-use.
• Pipelines and cables: Archaeological assessment, analysis and mitigation for water, sewage, communications related work or any seabed and intertidal trenching requirements.

We can provide consultancy and advice for a range of marine developments, please contact us for further information