New Forest Coastal Heritage Project

Although the Solent has a rich coastal heritage very little is known AbOUT it and there is potential for much more to be discovered. The Coastal Heritage Project has therefore been set up both to fully record the archaeology of the Hampshire coastline and to share the archeaology with as many people as possible.

The project extends beyond the New Forest National Park boundary north to Redbridge and west to the Hampshire-Dorset border. It covers 82 kilometres of coast and includes the area 10 metres above sea level through the intertidal zone to six nautical miles off shore.

The Project will help to inform decisions about the future management of the coastal margin, especially as we respond to rising sea levels and specific threats to archaeological sites. This local project forms part of the larger national English Heritage ‘Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment’ programme.

Project Phases

The Coastal Heritage Project has three main stages:.

• Phase 1: Desk Based Assessment

Research and collation of the existing known archaeological information

• Phase 2: Fieldwork

Site investigations in areas identified by Phase 1 as being threatened by natural processes or people Detailed investigation of sites considered to be nationally important

• Phase 3: Publication and promotion of the results

Education and Outreach

Throughout the project we will be encouraging public involvement through volunteering, talks and various events and activities, showing how the coastal heritage of the New Forest plays a part in the lives and history local residents and visitors. This education and outreach work will encourage longer term interest in coastal archaeology as hitherto hidden treasures become known about and enjoyed by all.

Partners and Funders

The New Forest Coastal Heritage is made possible through the help and support of the following people:

• Heritage Lottery Fund
• English Heritage
• Hampshire County Council
• Exxon Mobil at Fawley
• Crown Estates
• New Forest National Park Authority

References

English Heritage - Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment New Forest National Park