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LANDSCAPE ORIGINS OF THE WYE VALLEY

In December 2004, the River Wye Preservation Trust started Phase One of the Landscape Origins of the Wye Valley project. The first thing to be accomplished was the contract agreement with Archenfield Archaeology.

Twelve Parishes within the LEADER+ area of the Lower Wye Valley are going to be investigated. This area is part of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and although it is a popular destination, particularly for walkers, surprisingly little is known about the valley's origins.

The nature of this investigation is to gather information for locals and visitors about the region's history, the basis of its distinctiveness, and how and why it is changing. This project is designed to benefit serious students, passing visitors, policy makers and local people, through the vast range of information that is to be uncovered.

The short-term Phase One will focus on the promotion of the project, undertaking a review of countryside historic assets, and air photography acquisition and analysis.

Bridging Phases One and Two, the aims are to perform historic features on 10 farms, including details of policy issues, to interpret the farming history of the area, to hold community events along with the distribution of publicity material, a website and a report.

In Phase Two, starting later in the year, nine other elements of the project will be carried out, including:

• Pollen Analysis this can reveal the vegetation history over a number of millennia
• Hedgerow Recording this is to investigate the history of field systems and enclosures by recording and archiving suitable information
• Final Public Event a public celebration to mark the end of the project and the heritage of the area that has been unearthed

David Lovelace
Pool Cottage
Norton Canon
Hereford
HR4 7BP
Tel: (01544) 318138

Email: david@dlovelace.freeserve.co.uk

Huw Sherlock
Archenfield Archaeology
Caplor Farm
Fownhope

HR1 4PT

Email: huw@archenfield.com

Website: www.wyevalleyhistory.net
Website: www.smr.herefordshire.gov.uk