An assessment of the positive contribution and negative impact of hobbyist metal detecting to sites of conflict in the UK
In the UK sites of conflict, in particular battlefields, are becoming more frequently associated with the label âheritage at riskâ. As the concept of battlefield and conflict archaeology has evolved, so too has the recognition that battlefields are dynamic, yet fragile, archaeological landscapes in need of protection. The tangible evidence of battle is primarily identified by distributions of artefacts held within the topsoil, such as lead projectiles, weapon fragments or buttons torn from clothing; debris strewn in the heat of battle. Much of the battlefield therefore remains as a faint footprint, and where it survives, may provide valuable information, if recorded accurately. Drawing evidence from numerous sources, including a two year monitoring programme of the auction site eBay, from October 2008 until November 2010 and data produced by the heritage sector, this research intends to highlight the activities of hobbyist metal detectorists as a key issue in the conservation and management of sites of conflict. Whist the research recognises the positive contribution of hobbyist metal detecting through engagement with archaeologists, responsible practice and the discovery of previously unknown sites of
Ferguson, Natasha
CC Archaeology
An assessment of the positive contribution and negative impact of hobbyist metal detecting to sites of conflict in the UK. In the UK sites of conflict, in particular battlefields, are becoming more frequently associated with the label âheritage at riskâ. As the concept of battlefield and conflict archaeology has evolved, so too has the recognition that battlefields are dynamic, yet fragile, archaeological landscapes in need of protection. The tangible evidence of battle is primarily identified by distributions of artefacts held within the topsoil, such as lead projectiles, weapon fragments or buttons torn from clothing; debris strewn in the heat of battle. Much of the battlefield therefore remains as a faint footprint, and where it survives, may provide valuable information, if recorded accurately. Drawing evidence from numerous sources, including a two year monitoring programme of the auction site eBay, from October 2008 until November 2010 and data produced by the heritage sector, this research intends to highlight the activities of hobbyist metal detectorists as a key issue in the conservation and management of sites of conflict. Whist the research recognises the positive contribution of hobbyist metal detecting through engagement with archaeologists, responsible practice and the discovery of previously unknown sites of
assessment positive_negative impact metal detect site conflict sit conflict particular battlefield become frequently associate label heritage risk concept battlefield conflict archaeology evolve recognition battlefield dynamic yet fragile archaeological_landscape need protection tangible evidence battle primarily identify distribution artefact hold within lead projectile weapon fragment tear clothing debris heat battle much battlefield therefore remain survives may provide_valuable information record accurately drawing evidence numerous source_include monitoring programme site data produce heritage sector intend highlight activity metal key_issue conservation_management sit conflict recognises positive metal detect engagement archaeologist responsible practice discovery previously_unknown site