[C]oastal archaeological sites around Morecambe Bay have been identified as being under imminent threat of coastal erosion.
As part of the Festival of Archaeology programme, a team of archaeologists from the national CITiZAN (Coastal and Intertidal Zone Archaeological Network) project are heading to the Furness Peninsula on the 16th and 17th July to host two free training sessions in collaboration with Morecambe Bay Partnership.
The training will include use of the unique CITiZAN mobile phone app, identification of sites and safe working in the Bay, before participants will head to the shore for an outdoor recording session. Both CITiZAN and Morecambe Bays Headlands to Headspace Scheme are supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Ancient fish traps, boat wrecks, old jetties, and military installations bear testament to the continued use and defence of the rich resources situated around Morecambe Bay. However, many of these sites have never been properly investigated or recorded. The shifting sands and tides of the Bay mean that these sites are under constant threat from coastal changes/erosion and urgent action is required before any further information is lost to the sea.
Members of the public are invited on this rare opportunity to join the archaeologists from CITIZAN to help enhance the national database of coastal archaeological sites they are currently compiling. To date over 1070 new records have been added to the database, 1578 record have been enhanced and 2694 images collected, increasing the understanding of sites around the English coastline.
Louise Martin Cultural Heritage Officer at Morecambe Bay Partnership says; “This is a great opportunity to work with the team from CITiZAN to help record coastal sites on the Furness Peninsula. We are really excited to welcome the team from CITiZAN back to Morecambe Bay and pleased that the Bay’s heritage has been recognised as being of national importance. We hope many volunteers will sign up and help us record the fascinating history of the Bay.”
Andy Sherman CITiZAN Training Officer for the North said: “The CITiZAN team always enjoy visiting Morecambe Bay and exploring the coastline which has a wealth of archaeological features. This training is a great opportunity to join us and help enhance the archaeological record, using simple equipment and the CITiZAN mobile phone app. We hope that many people come along and get involved.”
Places are very limited and booking is essential. To book a place please follow the link on the Morecambe Bay Partnership website:
or call 01539 734888.
CITiZAN Coastal Archaeology Survey for Android available from the Google Play store.
CITiZAN Coastal Archaeology Survey available for Apple from the Apple App store.
