6. Carrying Out the Works and Post-work Monitoring
Whether or not archaeological work has been carried out in advance of peatland restoration works, a programme of archaeological monitoring and recording can be used to record any material that is identified as the work progresses.
Having an archaeologist (with peatland archaeology knowledge and experience) on site / on call during restoration works will help to ensure that if archaeological or palaeoenvironmental material is encountered, they can undertake any appropriate recording and sampling (Figure 16), as per the agreed WSI and restoration plan.
It is advisable to have discussed the proposed work with a range of other specialists prior to the work starting (preferably when producing the WSI) so that they are available to provide advice as required.
These specialists might include a geoarchaeologist (advice on deposit modelling), environmental archaeologist and/or palaeoecologist (advice on peat cores), scientific dating specialist (advice on sampling and chronologies), and/or archaeological conservator (to help with any fragile finds).
In addition to recording and sampling any identified heritage assets, it is recommended that the contractors or peatland project team record the location of any below-ground disturbances so that a clear record of sediment disturbance/movement, and/or newly created features is held, to inform site understanding and management in the future.
As well as retaining this information in-house, it should be deposited with the HER. Knowing where potentially undisturbed peat is may be important for any future palaeoenvironmental investigation of the site.
6.1 Unexpected discoveries
Whilst for many areas the probability of encountering unknown archaeological remains during works is low due to any prior work undertaken during the HIA, and any subsequent prior archaeological recording, chance finds can still happen.
The potential for damaging or disturbing such material if unexpectedly encountered could be high, and the cost (and time) implications of this disturbance may be significant. There will be legal issues if military aircraft crash sites, human remains, or Treasure are discovered.
Archaeological discoveries can also pose Health and Safety concerns e.g. air crash sites and unexploded ordnance. These risks will all be significantly reduced by following this guidance and undertaking an appropriate level of assessment, from the earliest stages of project planning and site identification.
Nonetheless, it is recommended that the project have a process or protocol in place to deal with archaeological finds made during peatland restoration works when there isn’t an archaeologist present. This will ensure that any unexpected discoveries can be quickly dealt with by a qualified archaeologist, that relevant historic environment stakeholders are notified of the finds, and that subsequent work doesn’t cause unnecessary delays to the restoration work.
6.2 Maintaining sites after restoration works
Where historic environment features are being protected by restoration work, a regular review of how that work continues to provide protection or has now improved the long-term management of these features (in line with the WSI) should be a part of on-going monitoring of the success of the restoration scheme.
Depending on the site, this can involve activities from visual inspections (e.g. to ensure that suitable, peat-forming diverse vegetation is re-establishing, and that erosion has stopped) to monitoring the hydrology and hydrogeology (e.g. changes to surface water or groundwater).
A site may also require alterations to vegetation management regimes (e.g. reducing/ceasing grazing). Well thought-out monitoring will benefit both natural and historic environment objectives.
Funding for this will be dependent on budgetary allocations and on funding schemes.