THE CONSERVATION OF HISTORIC TRACKWAYS

This research examines the merits of conserving historic trackways as heritage assets under United Kingdom legislation, policy and guidance. It does so by drawing together three separate but related elements: • Understanding the historic evolution of trackways; • Consideration of their potential to fit within the existing legislative and policy regime; • Examining practice issues which might help or hinder their formal protection. A core feature of the research concerns the construction and testing of an evaluative model which is intended to assess the conservation significance of historic trackways from a pragmatic perspective, leading to the development of practice guidance that may be of assistance to conservators facing the prospect of attempting to conserve an historic route. Whilst loosely based on the established methodology for assessing the significance of built heritage assets, the model incorporates new components (values), addressing issues emerging from the literature review, desk top analysis and field surveys. In particular, it examines whether existing data sources are adequate to calibrate the model effectively and whether existing methods of data collection are sufficiently robust to present an informed evidence base for recording and conserving historic trackways. The model is tested through its application to two contrasting circumstances presented as case studies - Monastic Way, Dartmoor, and Bristol City Centre - to determine whether it is fit for purpose and, if not, what modifications and adjustments might be required. The outcome of this process then forms the basis for a series of recommendations that might provide the framework for supplementary guidance which could be adopted by local planning authorities and used by national and local organisations and interest groups. The research is therefore positioned to understand the problems and issues likely to arise in any attempt to conserve historic trackways from harm and to secure their future in perpetuity. It explores why United Kingdom policy and guidance seems to lag behind European thinking, particularly how intangible values are now influencing the recording and designation of heritage assets internationally, when evidence of tangible values (physical form) may be largely absent. These essentially philosophical changes, which draw upon a broader appreciation of cultural value than hitherto, are especially relevant to the research as trackways do not always present physical built form, similar to other recognised heritage assets. The findings of the research point to interest in the topic from broad sections of the media, as well as third parties, especially those concerned with countryside access, but that this interest has seldom been reflected in national and local policy, proposals, and decisions. The reasons for this position are explored in the research, with the conclusion that misunderstandings in the scope and level of protection provided by extant legislation lie at the heart of the issue. The research proceeds to challenge current thinking, pointing to the absence of any worthwhile and applicable data or literature having been produced within the last thirty years, suggesting that it is both timely and appropriate in drawing attention to this lacuna. The research attempts to draw out the reasons for these circumstances, pointing to the fragmented approach to policy and the contradictory objectives flowing from national guidance. The case for properly compiled and well researched guidance is then promoted as a framework from which future research might springboard and lead to an improvement in knowledge of the topic at both the academic and practice level. The research concludes with a plea to engage with stakeholders, particularly the public, who are able to introduce communal and social values to the debate and bring a further dimension to the modelling process and with it, a more holistic appreciation of the value of historic trackways to national heritage.

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Year dc:date

2018

Author dc:creator

• Stevenson, Dennis Peter

Contributors dc:contributor

• Reeve, Alan

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/A4AB-F508

OAI identifier oai:identifier

tle:5ae161bf-5495-43b5-ad2c-046b854af852:d6bd9758-527a-46cd-bfe2-c433766e8fca:1