Events
Project Workshops
Reading the Historic Landscape.
Landscape survey is a research tool for furthering understanding of the historic environment through whatever means are most appropriate. It underpins conservation, protection and interpretation and usually combines two strands of investigation: field survey and desk-based research.
Field survey is usually, but not exclusively, directed at the rural landscape. It involves the study of a wide range of evidence that is visible on the ground surface. This includes man-made features, such as earthworks, buildings, ruined structures and managed vegetation but also natural geological and ecological phenomena.
Field survey has a broad chronological scope and requires an understanding of the potential influence of ancient land-use on more recent developments and, conversely, of the impacts of recent land-use on earlier features. It can be applied to large or small areas, and at different scales and levels of resolution, but always relies upon the principles of careful observation and analysis of field evidence of all types and periods. It is an especially powerful tool for understanding the development of a landscape when coupled with desk-based research into other information sources.
Project workshops will teach volunteers how to read the local landscape around Mortimer's Cross and understand how it has changed over time since the fifteenth century.
There will also be an opportunity to take part in guided walks and talks across the landscape during the project, led by Dr Tracey Partida. See the events page for details.
