Archaeology

AONB Historic Buildings Survey - [2007]

The Society has been invited to become involved in recording and surveying the Island's built heritage. Katie-Sue Wilson from the IW Council's Conservation & Design Team is proposing a project, which in the first instance will survey a small area in the AONB and bring together heritage professionals, volunteers and the local community.

The positive outputs of the survey would be many and include the exchange of technical skills and local knowledge, raising awareness and enabling improved positive management, especially of those many buildings which are of historic interest but do not formally merit listed building status. The survey will result in a series of written records and digital photographs to be lodged with the County Archaeology Service's Sites & Monuments Record as well as with the Conservation & Design Team as public access files. The aim is to ensure that the survey results are accessible to researchers/ parish councils/ groups/ curators and heritage professionals.

The benefits of successfully completing a small survey project will be that future surveys throughout the AONB will follow, expanding on the first model if successful. Areas under consideration include Shorwell, Brook, Brighstone, Yaverland, Hulverstone, Chale, Knighton, Adgestone and Nunwell.

UPDATE The pilot study for the parish of Shorwell has now been successfully completed.

Background

Historic buildings in the AONB comprise a valuable natural resource contributing to the Island's sense of place, landscape value and historic character. Despite its importance both to local residents and visitors, the rural built heritage remains under threat. Recent social, economic and policy changes have raised issues such as dereliction, conversion and re-use. More information and understanding of the built heritage of the AONB is now needed so that curators, individuals and the community can respond effectively to these changes.

Aims & Objectives

• Update and collate baseline data on the character, management and threats to the built heritage in the AONB
• Raise awareness and appreciation of the historic built environment and promote sustainable management
• Equip and train local heritage volunteers and community members in the techniques of building recording
• Form a core group to research and record industrial non-domestic buildings (mills, forges, farm buildings etc), non-listed dwellings and community buildings (chapels/ churches/ institutes) in the target areas
• Record the existing character, management and threats to the AONB's built heritage
• Work with voluntary heritage and local history groups across the Island to these ends
• Employ best practice in terms of community involvement and technical expertise
• Investigate sustainable management and conservation priorities
• Produce a leaflet/trail on the target area buildings and local character OR establish a demonstration day on lime mortar repairs for vernacular stone walls or other traditional industry.

Historic Lanes & Tracks Survey - [2006]

Currently the Society has been invited to participate in an Historic Lanes & Tracks survey by the County Archaeology Service, as part of its HEAP project, or Historic Environment Action Plan. This involves a two-fold approach, a desktop survey researching historic records and maps, as well as a survey of historic lanes and trackways out in the field.

This is a potentially long-term project with opportunities for interested Society members to be involved at every stage.