>Just to put the record straight on Welsh mining landscapes I thought I
>should point out that the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts (Clwyd-Powys,
>Dyfed, Gwynedd and Glamorgan-Gwent) have been active since 1992 in drawing
>together a comprehensive database for their respective areas of the
>non-ferrous metal mines.
Mark,
Yes - whilst I'm not familiar with the position in Scotland - Wales is
certainly well ahead of England in defining the concept of a 'historic
landscape', with mining landscapes taking a prominent position. I have the
register in front of me and of the 36 areas identified at least ten have a
significant mining element. And, as you rightly point out, the background
work carried out has been invaluable. But local authorities, whilst
acknowledging the existence of the historic landscape are quite willing to
degrade them with 'derelict land' enhancement schemes which provide short
term local employment. Look at Ystrad Einon, Cwmsymlog and, lately,
Cwmerfin and the valley to the east, for the physical evidence of this
degradation. Then go to http://www.exeter.ac.uk/~pfclaugh/mhinf/cered_lp.htm
for the conflicting published intentions of the local authority - Ceredigion
County Council.
Peter
______________________________________________
Peter Claughton, Blaenpant Morfil, Rosebush, Clynderwen,
Pembrokeshire, Wales SA66 7RE.
Tel. 01437 532578; Fax. 01437 532921; Mobile 0831 427599
University of Exeter - Department of History
School of Historical, Political and Sociological Studies
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Co-owner - mining-history e-mail discussion list.
See http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/mining-history/ for details.
Mining History Pages - http://www.exeter.ac.uk/~pfclaugh/mhinf/
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