Landscape survey underway

The National Trust has fairly recently acquired land in Langstrothdale and has commissioned a full archaeological survey to be led by David Johnson. UWHG volunteers completed a survey at Yockenthwaite in March and April with David's guidance.

Now that summer weather has arrived, IAG volunteers have been helping to conduct similar fieldwork at Deepdale. Starting high on the fell above Deepdale, on the north side of the dale and working down, the team have been surveying drystone walls and identifying, recording and measuring features of archaeological interest.

It has been fascinating to discover old roads, banks and ditches, a settlement, quarry workings and cairns, but we've also been enjoying the birds, hares, voles, low flying aircraft and butterflies...perhaps not so much the midges. The south side of the dale is yet to come but promises to be just as complex and we are acquiring new survey skills as we go. A thoroughly rewarding project that will contribute to David's comprehensive report to the National Trust.