The discussion on mining landscapes appears to be getting rather focussed on
one site. This is a common problem and most of us can think of a sites which
equally deserve consolidation and preservation,two different and often
conflicting courses of action.
What i think Peter was originally talking about was the importance of taking
a more holistic approach to the mining landscape. The remains of our mining
heritage do not sit in the landscape in isolation. They form part of and
interact with a much larger landscape. Mining has shaped and influenced the
current appearance of many parts of the country. Just think how empty South
Yorkshire or the Welsh Valleys would be without the mining villages. These
are relativity recent and tangible influences on the landscape. Most metal
mining areas quite rightly claim a least two thousand years of mining
history. How this has influenced landscape formation is often overlooked
mainly because landscape archaeologists often do not have sufficient
knowledge of mining features and mining history. Andrew Fleming's recent
work in Swaledale (Swaledale, Valley of the Wild River, Edinburgh University
Press,1998)is an exception and suggests that the location of a least one
village is directly attributable to lead mining in the Medieval period.
Mining has also influenced the layout of roads, bridleways, and footpaths,as
well as the pattern of land enclosure. His fieldwork in Swaledale clearly
would have a relevance to the understanding of the landscape of many other
areas.
So what is the way forward? Firstly it is important to take off the blinkers
and stop looking at just the "biggest" or "best sites". We need to educate
the people making decisions and convince them of the historical importance
of mining in landscape formation. Once they are aware and sensitive to this,
then the case for consolidating sites will be perceived to be a greater
priority and stand a better chance of succeeding. There will be opposition
but as mining historians we have a duty to make our voices heard above those
who want to sweep our heritage under a carper of grass and flowers. So
rather than just complaining about what is not being done, lets get out
there and take a more active role.
Up the revolution.
Martin Roe
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