SUSTAINABILITY

FEATURES
Preservation strategies include the
identification of heritage assets on
military maps, the erection of ‘no-dig’
signs (the instantly recognisable star
signs) and cyclical condition
monitoring visits. The exclusion of
fragile archaeological sites from
military training is featured in standing
orders for ranges and training areas,
and briefings to military users
specifically mention the location and
fragility of heritage. Routine
management tasks such as bracken
control on earthwork monuments are
identified within site Integrated Rural
Management Plans. Other issues are
quickly identified and business cases
for conservation works are developed
to secure funding and clearances. This
overall approach has been highly
beneficial for Welsh heritage.
Roman coin – Caerwent © Crown
These traditional archaeological sites
are not necessarily restricted to the
larger, more rural ranges; the enigmatic
Roman building at Whitewall Brake in
Caerwent Training Area is curiously
co-located within the densely built up
network of industrial buildings that
comprised the former Royal Naval
Propellant Factory. Even during WWII
the value of heritage was identified
and protected, perhaps a sense
sharpened through fear of what might
be lost in the near future. A MOD
excavation by Operation Nightingale is
defining the character of this
monument in a measured manner,
respectful of the monument’s
scheduled status.
structures and the carefully
constructed and managed use of
space, for example impact and
danger areas.
Locating military training – with its
emphasis on digging-in, the use of
heavy machinery and impacts from
munitions – in areas of high
archaeological sensitivity may seem
counter-productive and destined for
catastrophic failure. While rare
accidents and misunderstandings
inevitably happen, in general the
robust, proactive and careful
management of military activities in
Wales has ensured that historic
environment assets are successfully
protected from unnecessary
destruction and ill-considered change.
Central to this success was the
establishment of the conservation
groups during the 1970s. A number
thrive in Wales with active
memberships and work programmes.
Such fora are incredibly useful
opportunities for informed and
respectful dialogue between the MOD,
Statutory Bodies and other interested
parties. Proposals can be discussed,
issues raised, evidence identified and
cognisant decisions made.
The future holds many challenges for
the Defence estate. Defence needs
continue to evolve with the Defence
requirements of the national interest
and there is greater pressure to work
within a physically smaller footprint.
The ongoing disposal programme and
the requirements to upgrade existing
and create new facilities means that
heritage concerns need to be an early
and central consideration and that
appropriate actions (always
comprehensive archaeological
recording, and sometimes designation)
are put in place.
The historic environment assets on the
Defence estate, whether of national,
regional or local importance, must
continue to be proactively managed.
However, change and decay are
inevitable and preservation of
everything is impossible. The aim
should not be to preserve everything
in aspic, but rather to ensure that
change is managed in a sustainable
way. The historic environment is an
asset and not a barrier to change; this
rich cultural inheritance is a vehicle for
regeneration, sustainable
development and for fostering local
militar y character and distinctiveness.
The MOD, as a significant landowner,
manager and curator of important
historic places, has a key role to play in
continuing to ensure that the impact
of change on heritage values is
recognised and managed responsibly.
Informed and appropriate decision
making will continue to ensure that
the heritage values of the historic
environment in Wales are carried
forward for future generations, military
and civilian, to enjoy.
Jonathan Berry
Senior Inspector of Ancient Monuments
and Archaeology
Cadw, Welsh Government
While routine civilian development
and improvement activities may have
been arrested on the Defence estate,
military activities have imposed their
own rich and varied archaeological
evidence in the form of buildings,
WWI trenches – Penally Training Area ATE Pembroke © Wessex Archaeology
Sanctuary 44 • 2015
35