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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Myra GiesenORCiD, Dr Aron Mazel, Professor David GrahamORCiD
Ancient stone monuments (ASMs), such as standing stones and rock art panels, are powerful and iconic expressions of Britain’s rich prehistoric past that have major economic and tourism value. However, ASMs are under pressure due to increasing anthropogenic exposure and changing climatic conditions, which accelerate their rates of disrepair. Although scientific data exists on the integrity of stone monuments, most applies to “built” systems; therefore, additional work specific to ASMs in the countryside is needed to develop better-informed safeguarding strategies. Here, we use Neolithic and Bronze Age rock art panels across Northern England as a case study for delineating ASM management actions required to enhance monument preservation. The state of the rock art is described first, including factors that led to current conditions. Rock art management approaches then are described within the context of future environments, which models suggest to be more dynamic and locally variable. Finally, a Condition Assessment and Risk Evaluation (CARE) scheme is proposed to help prioritise interventions; an example of which is provided based on stone deterioration at Petra in Jordon. We conclude that more focused scientific and behavioural data, specific to deterioration mechanisms, are required for an ASM CARE scheme to be successful.
Author(s): Giesen MJ, Mazel AD, Graham DW, Warke PA
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: International Journal of Heritage and Sustainable Development
Year: 2011
Volume: 1
Issue: 1
Pages: 60-71
Print publication date: 01/06/2011
Date deposited: 15/03/2013
ISSN (print): 1647-4112
Publisher: Green Lines Institute for Sustainable Development
URL: http://ijhsd.greenlines-institute.org/volumes/2011/IJHSD_2011_V01_01_Giesen_60_71.pdf
