The archaeology of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park helps to make it such a special place. It is the legacy left to us by our ancestors and it contains a wealth of information about past peoples and their lives. However, these archaeological remains are a fragile and finite resource that once lost is lost forever, so it needs to be carefully and sustainably managed so it will survive for future generations to enjoy.
The role of the National Park Authority
The first purpose of a National Park is to conserve and enhance what makes it a special place, our wide variety of well-preserved archaeological sites from throughout human history is one of the things that makes the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park such a special place. In order to manage our archaeology sustainably and conserve it for future generations to enjoy the National Park Authority need to understand our archaeological remains, know where they are and what they are, what condition they are in and if there are any threats to their survival. Any threats can then be carefully managed and minimised to reduce the risk to our precious heritage. In order to achieve this, the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority employees an archaeologist who maintains a record of archaeology within the National Park, and works closely in partnership with Cadw, the Welsh Archaeological Trusts, the Royal Commission of Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales and local people. There are also a number of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park volunteers who have a special interest in archaeology and heritage who work with us to help us conserve our archaeology by undertaking site visits and surveys, by reporting any issues and helping with site conservation.
What you can do to protect our archaeology?
You can help us to protect our archaeology by following our Dos and Don’ts
DO enjoy glimpsing back into the past by visiting the archaeological sites within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
DO remember that each archaeological site within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is special and unique, and contributes to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park being such a special place.
DO remember that archaeological sites are a valuable and precious but finite resource that contain information about the lives of our ancestors, once damaged that information, a vital clue about the past, is lost forever
DO remember that not all archaeological sites are large or imposing remains, some are small and unassuming, there may be areas where a few very low earthworks banks are all that can be seen of some very important below ground archaeological remains, if you are not sure whether something is an archaeological site or not, then play safe and leave the site well alone.
DO let us know and report any damage that you see.
DON’T disturb archaeological sites by removing or moving stones.
DON’T dig on or around an archaeological site.
DON’T remove any material from an archaeological site.
DON’T have a BBQ, fire, bonfire or camp fire on or around an archaeological site.
DON’T drive or ride over archaeological earthworks.
DON’T dump or store anything on an archaeological site.
DON’T use metal detectors on Scheduled Ancient Monuments, on National Park owned land or anywhere without the land owner’s permission.