So far the discussion on mining landscapes have focussed on metal
mining, but of course coal mining and indeed other extractive
industries have also created their own landscapes; some are very well
known.
My particular interest is in Shropshire and Worcestershire
where there are extensive areas with everything from medieval to
NCB-era remains as well as mining settlements, railways, canals, etc.
There are various problems. Perhaps the most insidious is the
continuing loss of small scale features such as individual spoil tips
or shaft depressions. The loss of any individual one of these is
probably of no great consequence; however the cumulative effect is to
destroy the character of the landscape. I spent a fair bit of time
filling in ISIS forms reporting individual sites but I am not sure
what has happened as a result of this; at least at a casual glance
the Shropshire Ancient Monuments Record is still very incomplete.
Consequently there is no complete official listing of what still
survives. Even if this were complete, it would not necessarily help
matters. Talks with various local Government officers suggests that
they like published accounts of the sites in the AMR, particularly
articles that put them all into a context. Without this it is harder
to get an official recognition. There are further problems with
fragmentation of responsibility; County Council versus District
Council versus parish.
My impression is, that at least for the areas I am interested in, the
concept of an historic landscape is very valuable but the more that
it can be publicised the better. This includes not only
historical/archaeological studies to establish the intellectual case
for designation, but also working with local councils
(elected members and officers) and particularly local people through
newspaper articles, talks, exhibitions to increase general awareness
of the value of the landscape. Getting the support of local
communities and councillors is really important; they are the key, at
least in my part of the world!
David Poyner
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