Scrub and archaeology in the Burren

Assessment of landscape change and effects on archaeology and an assessment of habitat survey in the Burren, Co. Clare. Final Report: April 2006.

A major new study into the impact of scrub on the archaeology of the Burren has been published in 2006. Commissioned by the Heritage Council and carried out by ERA maptec in association with Wildworks Ltd, Sharon Parr and Christine Grant, the final report is now available for download from the Heritage Council's website (see link below).

The detailed study priduced a number of interesting findings. It was noted during fieldwork that the Burren's archaeology was significantly undermapped, with many additional sites noted in the field. It was also clear that hazel encroachment was becoming a major problem through damage  (structurally and at sub-surface level) being caused to monuments, occluding of sites and putting sites at increased risk of future loss/damage through inadvertent scrub clearance. It was also noted from mapping exercises that the rate of scrub encroachment is now estimated be c.4.4% per annum.

In its conclusions, the study calls for:
- A proper management plan for the archaeology of the Burren;
- A full archaeological survey of the Burren (approx cost 1.25m euro);
- Annual monitoring and mapping of hazel growth;
- Improved consultation with Burren landowners;
- New measures to maintain Burren monuments, possibly delivered through REPS

To download the report in full (17Mb!), please visit:

http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/archaeology/publications