Revitalisation is the theme of this year’s World Oceans Day so, to celebrate, we’re looking at how our Marine Aggregate Industry Protocol work is raising awareness of how to record archaeological finds preserved in the ocean. 🔭 #wessexarch
This find was discovered by staff in the aggregate industry and reported through the Marine Aggregates Reporting Protocol.
Our Marine Aggregate Industry Protocol supports preservation and assessment of archaeological finds throughout dredging industry work.
We developed the Protocol to ensure invaluable finds such as this telescope are preserved and fully researched. 📚
Following our completion of the Protocol in 2005, the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA) and Historic England have enacted the programme.
Finds of archaeological interest are now reported through our Implementation Service, protecting submerged heritage for future generations.
We investigate every find reported with the support of specialists here at Wessex Archaeology and across the country. A series of reports is then compiled for the vessel or wharf that made the discovery, Historic England, BMAPA, The Crown Estate, Local Historic Environment...
These archaeological artefacts have been recovered from the sea thanks to the rich range of life our oceans have historically supported. The Marine Aggregate Protocol’s protection is helping to ensure the ocean’s future biodiversity. ✒️ #wessexarch#marinearchaeology
Check out the link below to read the full story on our Marine Aggregate Industry Protocol work - ow.ly/wj2q50JsvSL
Our Bronze Age Roundhouse virtual reality experience case study is now live ⚡
Jono Sutton, our in-house 3D Environment Artist, has created an engaging and informative 3D reconstruction of the Bronze Age Roundhouse excavated at Bitham Park, Westbury 👨🎨 #wessexarchaeology
This links to important heritage sector debates on the importance of engaging communities on the need for rapid action essential to help our communities adapt and develop resilience to increasingly frequent flooding events. #wessexarchaeology#sustainability
Heritage and archaeology’s role in building resilience is an area we have been researching within archaeological organisations and related disciplines. Evidence from the past can help contextualise perspectives on climate change and develop narratives with time depth.
One of our key #FCERM case studies is our creative heritage project, ‘The Ripple Effect’. The bespoke project for the @EnvAgency aims to further amplify the social value and community benefits of the Salisbury River Park scheme.
The project will improve people's well-being through positive engagement with the local environment, the community and each other, and engage people across all generations through walks, workshops, creative moments and shared experiences.
Image credit James Aldridge
We're committed to using #archaeology and #heritage to help our #FCERM clients deliver real benefits for communities and the environment, and to meet their #sustainability commitments across a wide range of social, environmental and economic goals.
We’ll be taking part in a Treasure Hunt as part of Salisbury International Arts Festival this weekend - Sunday 12th June 📣
Come along to this family friendly event to explore four themed islands of hands-on activities for all the family to enjoy 🐚 #wessexarchaeology
You can find us at the ‘Sailing the Calm Seas’ venue at Greencroft Park between 11am – 4pm. Be sure to visit to get hands on with marine archaeology and discover the exciting artefacts, including cannonballs, that lie beneath the sea. #wessexarchaeology#familyfriendly
We’ll have plenty of craft activities too so you can take home your very own paper boat. 🦀
Here’s a look at some more of our finds recently featured in the ‘The world of Stonehenge’ exhibition publication, this time from the unusual ‘Boscombe Bowmen’ grave which we excavated 600 metres north of the ‘Amesbury Archer’s’ grave at Amesbury Down, near Stonehenge.
Much of the bone had been curated and redeposited, placed in bundles within the grave lying around (generally just below) and – in the case of a few random bones – above the in situ (articulated) remains of one of the adult males. #wessexarchaeology#wessexarch#stonehenge